Evan Jones
Rep. Bob Goodlatte
Roanoke Congressman Bob Goodlatte again finds himself at the forefront of another highly-visible national debate — this time, it surrounds Syrian refugees and U.S. immigration policy. Goodlatte plays a key role in the House of Representatives as Chairman of its Judiciary Committee, which oversees all federal law enforcement entities. WFIR ‘s Evan Jones has the story.
David Bowers
Roanoke Mayor David Bowers is requesting that all Roanoke Valley governments and non-government agencies “suspend and delay any further Syrian refugee assistance” until the U.S. government determines the terrorist threat to our country diminishes. Bowers says with the recent bombing of a Russian airliner, the terrorist attacks in Paris, and ISIS threats directed at Washington, D.C., he is convinced it is “presently imprudent” to assist in refugee resettlement in our part of Virginia.
Colleges and universities like Roanoke College were quickly able to determine all their students studying in Europe were safe because of steps taken before those students head over. The college’s International Education staffers sit down with each student before he or she heads overseas, getting as much contact information as possible. Then they’re encouraged to keep in touch while abroad. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
From Franklin County: The Franklin County Board of Supervisors and Southway Farm LLC are pleased to announce that the County has agreed to purchase the Southway farm as Franklin County’s “next generation” business park. The 350-acre farm is strategically located adjacent to Rt. 220 between Rocky Mount and Boones Mill. Due to recent economic development successes in the Franklin County Commerce Center and Rocky Mount Industrial Park, the County has only one developed site left to market to new and expanding businesses. This site shortage has necessitated the creation of new sites and a new business park. After an intensive four-year review of properties along the U.S. Route 220 Corridor running the entire length of the County, the Board of Supervisors has determined that the Southway property is situated in the most strategic area as the site for the new business park.
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine
Senator Tim Kaine once again called upon his colleagues to vote on whether to authorize continued U.S. military force against the Islamic State. Kaine says Congress continues to neglect its constitutional duty to take a stand one way or another. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
In the wake of Friday’s Paris terrorist attacks, more than a dozen U.S. governors say their states will not accept admit Syrian immigrants coming here under an international resettlement plan. WFIR’s Evan Jones has reaction from the Roanoke area’s two state lawmakers with Middle East ancestry.
Rep. Bob Goodlatte
Congressman Bob Goodlatte is getting plenty of heat from the New York City area for not supporting a proposal to permanently authorize a compensation fund for many 911 responders. The bill’s supporters will head to Washington this week, as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports.
(Continue reading for Congressman Goodlatte’s full statement.)