Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. This amendment and the nebulous use of ``indirect'' endangers the even limited support that we provide in Syria. For our own national security, we must continue our work countering terrorism in Syria. The Islamic State emerged from the conflict in Syria. The Syrian Democratic Forces continue to hold about 10,000 Islamic State fighters in detention facilities in Syria that are seen as key to its resurgence. We must continue to counter this serious terrorist threat and protect Americans by continuing our support in Syria. We also must continue to support the people of Syria who have been battered by war, displacement, and natural disasters. By helping to ensure that the Syrian people have emergency shelter, food assistance, and access to healthcare, education, water, sanitation, and other support, we prevent them from turning to the very extremist groups that are promising that security. Conflict zones are not clear-cut, and the government of Bashar al- Assad is still the governing authority there. While we take every precaution to ensure that no assistance benefits this brutal regime, lines are continually shifting, and we need to make allowances for activities that could touch on government-controlled areas. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR.…”