Political Quotes

“I come to the floor today to express support for the continuing resolution which funds the government through December 11. One provision in the bill I would like to focus on relates to our fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL. I believe there is an urgent need to confront this terrorist group, and Congress can help this effort by supporting President Obama's plan and voting for the continuing resolution. The CR includes a provision to provide the Defense Department with the authority for the U.S. Armed Forces to train and equip an opposition force capable of confronting ISIL. I believe we must come together in large numbers--Democrats and Republicans--to pass this provision as quickly as possible. A strong bipartisan majority would give the Obama administration and the American people a strong sense of unity and purpose as we all grapple with the threat of ISIL. We must give the President the tools he needs to succeed. Providing the Defense Department with this authority is just one part of the comprehensive strategy, but it is an important one. The President has said he has the legal authority to conduct airstrikes in Iraq and Syria and has laid out his strategy. After the election there will be ample time to debate the strategy further and potentially vote on a new authorization of military force, but in the short-term we must pass this authorization--at this time the only authority the administration has asked Congress to approve.…”