Rodney Frelinghuysen: “Currently, U.S. forces are conducting multiple airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq and Syria. Without this authority, these…”

“Currently, U.S. forces are conducting multiple airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq and Syria. Without this authority, these campaigns would stop immediately. Should this Authorization for Use of Military Force be replaced? Perhaps it should. On May 19, Speaker Boehner urged President Obama to start from scratch on a measure to legally authorize the Islamic State conflict, declaring, ``We don't have a strategy.'' I agree with the Speaker, we have no strategy with regard to ISIL. Recently, President Obama stated he still does not have a complete strategy for defeating the Islamic State. A sad commentary--shifting rationale, shifting strategy, no strategy. At a time when sectarian tensions are at their highest levels since the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom in December of 2001, the terrorists have once again succeeded in capturing control of major cities in Iraq, killing innocent citizens, causing thousands of families to flee. What kind of message are we sending with this amendment to both the Iraqi people, to our soldiers and marines who have valiantly served and sacrificed, and even now the President suggesting sending another 400 advisers to advise and to train and equip Iraqis to recapture Ramadi? This amendment is not about substance; it is about symbolism. Unfortunately, its effect would be much more than symbolism. Acceptance of this amendment would rob our Nation of one of the key authorities our Commander-in-Chief relies on to keep us safe.…”