The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation to tighten the visa process earlier this week because "terrorism comes in all shapes and sizes," Rep. Ryan Zinke told
Newsmax TV on Thursday.
"Just a few weeks ago, the president called out Congress by saying Congress is in fear of women and children," the Montana Republican told "Newsmax Now" host Miranda Khan. "After the California incident, the reality is that terrorism can take the form of a woman, a child."
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"Unfortunately, as a former SEAL commander overseas, I've seen children conduct acts of terrorism," said Zinke, 54, who served in the elite corps from 1985 to 2008. His tour of duty included Iraq. "We have to be very, very prudent and make sure we know who's coming into this country."
The House approved the bill Tuesday on a 407-19 vote. It would bring a swath of changes, including new visa requirement for citizens of Iraq, Syria and any other country deemed a terrorist hotspot — along with anyone who's traveled to those countries in the previous five years.
Exceptions are made for official government visits and military service.
"Our southern border is wide open," Zinke told Khan. "We need to secure our southern border."
"We need to pay attention to our northern border — and certainly Congress took action on suspending the refugees until we get a clearer idea of what the vetting process is and to make sure we're assured that we know who's coming into this country."
The freshman congressman added that the legislation took aim at the broader definition of terrorism.
"A terrorist is more than just an individual that pulls the trigger or ignites the bomb," Zinke said. "Terrorism also involves those who are complicit, those who give weapons to a terrorism suspect or provide safe-haven harbors, fuel — those types of things."
"So, you had to look at the terrorism as a whole and understand that if you come into this country and your intention is do us harm, we'll find you."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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