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RALEIGH, N.C. - Tensions continue to build over the future of a federal program to allow the resettlement of thousands of Syrian refugees.

Political experts said public opinion seems to be shifting toward a majority backing a suspension of the program.

“It is certainly starting to gain some traction as a bipartisan issue,” political expert Michael Bitzer said. “The concerns about terrorism cut across party lines.”

With a veto-proof margin, the U.S. House ignored a threat from President Barack Obama and passed a bill introduced by Rep. Richard Hudson to add new screening requirements for Syrian and Iraqi refugees trying to resettle in the United States.

The bill passed by a count of 289-137, with 47 Democrats voting for the measure. With its significant support, the bill — the American SAFE Act of 2015 — has enough votes to defy a veto threat from Obama as it moves to the U.S. Senate.

WASHINGTON - In a rebuke to President Obama by Republicans and Democrats, the House ignored a veto threat Thursday and overwhelmingly approved GOP legislation erecting fresh hurdles for Syrian and Iraqi refugees trying to enter the United States.

WASHINGTON —The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelming approved a bill introduced by North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson that would put in place new hurdles for Syrian and Iraqi refugees trying to enter the United States.

The American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015 was introduced Monday by Hudson and Texas Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security. Hudson, a Republican from Concord, represents District 8 in North Carolina, which includes most of Robeson County.