On the recordJune 19, 2014
Let me say I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment. But we appreciate the passion in which they make their case and certainly, Mr. Fortenberry, in the committee, did a very fine job recognizing congressional concerns regarding potential U.S. involvement in Syria. Our bill, as you are aware, contains a provision, section 9013, which prohibits the introduction of U.S. military forces into hostilities in Syria, except in accordance with the War Powers Act. The situation in Syria is as dire as you have described it. We have about 4 million refugees outside the country, doing incredible things, destabilizing one of our best allies, Jordan, in a huge way. The ranking member and I had an opportunity to visit one of those refugee camps. We need to be mindful of the actions we take here and, perhaps, what we might be doing to limit the President's assistance and our U.S. support for one of our greatest allies, two of our greatest allies in the Middle East, both Israel and Jordan. So I think we ought to move with caution. We understand your underlying sentiment. In some ways we agree with it. We don't think we ought to tie the administration's and the Commander in Chief's hands in the way that you have suggested. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
