On the recordSeptember 16, 2014
I thank and congratulate the chairman and Mr. Smith for their work on this issue. I rise in support of this amendment. It has become urgent, Mr. Speaker, that we make serious strides against ISIL, and we must act quickly to curb their influence and to fight back against terrorism of the most brutal sort. Chairman McKeon's amendment which provides the authority to train and equip Syrian rebels to fight ISIL is the right approach, and I support its inclusion on this continuing resolution. Over the past week, the House has done due diligence to ensure that this amendment language is appropriate, supporting limited yet adequate efforts to degrade and destroy ISIL. While providing our Commander in Chief with the tools he has requested for the near term, language is also included to prevent an open-ended blank check for these efforts. This will help ensure that Congress maintains funding authority and oversight over taxpayer dollars and the use of our military forces. Mr. Speaker, I want to associate myself with the remarks of Mr. Smith who just spoke who gave a very eloquent and full explanation of where we are, and I support his statement. I encourage my colleagues to support this critical amendment and then the underlying resolution today or tomorrow.
