I rise today to speak about ISIS--the threat, what we can do about it, and what we must do about it. Why are we having this debate? Why are we conducting airstrikes? This is a clear and present danger to the United States of America. This group has done everything but send us an email saying we are coming for you. They have made comments: We will see you in New York. They brutally murdered two of our citizens. If they have free rein in the area that is as big as the State of Indiana, I suppose, between eastern Syria and western and northern Iraq, there, undoubtedly, will come a time when they will strike here and in Europe and in other parts of the world. I am here today to support the provision of the continuing resolution that will allow us to begin the arming, equipping, and training of the Syrian moderate opposition. Why do we even have this discussion? Because the most fundamental responsibility of any government anywhere, any time is to protect our citizens. The preamble of the U.S. Constitution says that one of the fundamental purposes listed in the preamble is to ``provide for the common defense'' and ``insure domestic tranquility''--a basic function of any government. This is why we are having this debate today. This arming and equipping provision is not a panacea. It is not going to end the war. It is not going to be easy. It is no sure thing. A friend said to me this morning: It is the least worst option. It is one that we must undertake.…
On the recordSeptember 18, 2014
Share
More from Angus King
Aug 26, 2026
If the President’s misguided trade war further escalates, the processed lobsters could be taxed again when they are shipped back from Canada to the United States.
Aug 26, 2026
We write regarding the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and mounting evidence that conditions aboard the carrier have deteriorated to the point that the safety and wellbeing of its crew could be compromised.
Aug 14, 2026
Free and fair elections are the foundation of participatory government, and any threat to the democratic process is a threat to our democracy itself.
Aug 14, 2026
We are equally opposed to the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act because it codifies the same harmful reductions in benefits for veterans with tinnitus and sleep apnea benefits.





