1-31-17 republican gallagher critical of trump immigration ban

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, is criticizing the roll out of President Donald Trump’s travel ban affecting seven mostly Muslim countries.  The freshman lawmaker from northeast Wisconsin issued a statement Monday breaking with other Republicans in the state’s congressional delegation who have praised Trump’s order. But Gallagher says Trump’s executive order released Friday could have been “better handled” and “should have been closely coordinated with Congress.”  Gallagher says in particular it should have been worded to protect those who fought with the U.S. in Iraq and legal permanent residents.  But Gallagher also notes that the temporary order is not a blanket ban on religion and says “reviewing and enhancing our vetting and visa admission processes is prudent.” Gallagher is promising to conduct an in-depth review of the order.