Jackie Walorski: “While I greatly respect the author of this amendment, I must rise in opposition. This amendment does, in fact, strike…”

“While I greatly respect the author of this amendment, I must rise in opposition. This amendment does, in fact, strike section 1251 of the underlying bill that expresses a sense of Congress in regard to Syria. Section 1251 says the President should have a plan in place to secure U.S. interests in Syria; that the U.S. should support the stability of our allies like Israel--our strongest ally in the region; and that the U.S. should continue to conduct rigorous planning to secure any chemical and biological stockpiles. It does not say that the U.S. should intervene in Syria. And it requires the President to provide a supplemental budget should military action be necessary. Although much delayed, the confirmation from the Obama administration just a few hours ago that the Assad regime has used chemical weapons against rebel forces demonstrates why section 1251 is needed. It's time to get serious about addressing Syria and develop a plan to protect American interests in the region. According to the President, Assad has crossed a red line. By turning a blind eye to this civil war that has already claimed more than 90,000 lives, we lose credibility within the region and embolden bad actors like Iran and Hezbollah. I would ask my colleagues to vote against this amendment.”