Lansing: The White House sought to reassure US governors concerned about accepting Syrian refugees following the attacks in Paris, explaining during a conference call how the refugees are screened and prioritized for entry.

Of the 34 governors who participated in the 90-minute call, 13 asked questions, according to the White House. Senior officials on the call included President Barack Obama's Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and representatives from the Departments of Homeland Security, State and Health and Human Services, the FBI and the National Counterterrorism Center.