The Obama administration has responded to Idaho’s Gov. Butch Otter and 29 other governors, all but one Republican, who called for a halt to U.S. refugee resettlement following the Nov. 13 Paris terrorist attacks. A letter signed by Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson outlines the “rigorous security vetting process” for refugee applicants, particularly those fleeing the conflict in Syria. Refugees, they write in the letter, undergo the “most robust screening process for any category of individuals” seeking admission to the country. Besides outlining security measures taken, the two secretaries affirm the administration’s “modest commitment” to increase the number of Syrian refugees to at least 10,000 this fiscal year/Idaho Statesman. More here.