House Leaders Formally Rebut Governor on Refugees

House leaders this week filed legislation seeking to claw back Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s ability to participate in federal refugee resettlement. It's the latest in a series of escalating disputes between the governor and legislative Republicans since Lee decided late last year to continue accepting refugees.

Assistant House Majority Leader Ron Gant (R-Rossville) filed a bill that would require legislative approval before the governor could consent to refugee resettlement. House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Majority Leader William Lamberth, in addition to dozens of other Republicans, have signed onto the bill.

“Refugees continue to be settled here in Tennessee,” Gant said. “That is not stopping with this legislation. Even if this passes, it does not stop that. It just says whatever plan that the governor puts forward, we want that to be vetted through the General Assembly and get our approval.”

Gant said he met with the governor Tuesday to ask for his support on the bill.

Senate Speaker Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) is not joining his House colleagues in supporting the bill, which could prove fatal for the measure as it makes its way through the upper chamber. Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) declined to comment.

McNally and Sexton issued a rare joint statement opposing Lee’s decision in December. 

Rep. Bruce Griffey (R-Paris) had previously filed similar legislation without the backing of House leadership, and he has signed on to the new bill. Unlike Griffey, Gant does not support shutting down refugee resettlement entirely.

“Personally, I would like to see some type of refugee plan continue as long as there's a safety measure that's in there that makes me and my constituents feel like they're vetted thoroughly and there's a constant vigilance there,” Gant said.

Lee has — at times passionately — defended his decision as both a product of his Christian faith and a practical step required to keep the state in the loop on refugee resettlement decisions.

"We agree to disagree," Lee said Wednesday. "That’s part of what happens. I feel the same way that I have about the importance of allowing a limited number of highly vetted refugees into this state."

Democrats in the legislature have praised Lee for the decision, even as they have fought him on most other fronts.

“In this case, Gov. Lee is completely correct,” House Democratic Caucus Chair Mike Stewart of Nashville said. “We definitely do not want Rep. Gant and others making a decisions that for over a hundred years has been something that the governor would handle.”