Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the McKeon amendment, which would permit the administration to train and equip Syrian opposition forces to confront the deadly threat posed to them and their country by ISIL. This measure is limited, at least for another day the broader question of authorizing the use of force against ISIL. It extends only until December 11, the expiration date of the continuing resolution that it amends; but it is necessary if our country is to get underway the training of forces that are essential, if the Syrian component of the President's plan to degrade and defeat ISIL is to succeed. The President has no intention of introducing ground combat forces into this conflict, but our strategy does depend on indigenous forces in Iraq and Syria fighting for their own countries, forces capable of taking advantage of the air and other support we will provide. Getting such forces up to speed in Syria is one of the most difficult aspects of the challenges we face. Many speakers today have stressed these uncertainties and risks. I doubt there is a single one of them that the President hasn't recognized and considered in devising his strategy. But he has also done what we must now do: consider the consequences of letting the threat of ISIL go unchecked. The continued spread of ISIL and its version of violent jihad present a grave threat to our national security and that of our allies in the region and around the world.…”