On the recordJuly 18, 2023
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. I agree with my colleague from Florida on a couple points. I abhor war like he does, and I wish Congress would reassert itself, but I must say, we should legislate it, not terminate it. Abruptly terminating this national emergency will simply undermine U.S. national security interests and those of our allies. The resolution would further destabilize Syria and the entire region, be a gift to the violent and oppressive Assad regime, and create space for terrorist organizations like ISIS to grow in numbers and capabilities. I strongly oppose H.J. Res. 79 and urge my colleagues to do the same. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle join me in opposing it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.





