House leaders formally rebut Lee on refugees

House leaders this week filed legislation seeking to claw back Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s ability to participate in federal refugee resettlement, 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.