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On the recordSeptember 16, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I hope to correct this persistent theme. I have heard from some Members that Syrian Christians would prefer to live under Assad than the moderate opposition. This is a complete mischaracterization, in my opinion, of the situation in Syria. Assad may profess to protect Christians, but, in reality, he buys his oil from ISIS; thereby bankrolling them and their massacres of Christians. ISIS would not be able to fund their operations without the Assad regime. The moderate opposition has publicly stated their acceptance and tolerance of Christians, and the Syrian Christian community has welcomed the U.S. call to degrade and destroy ISIS terrorists and the efforts of moderate Syrians to defend their communities. I understand the reticence of some of my colleagues to get involved. Again, we have no great choices here, but the worst choice is to do nothing. Mr. Speaker, I want to again thank Congressman McKeon. Chairman Royce and I conduct the Foreign Affairs Committee in a very bipartisan fashion. We pride ourselves in being one of the most bipartisan committees. Foreign policy should be bipartisan. Issues like this should be bipartisan. I think we can all be proud to be Members of Congress. This is being done in a bipartisan way. I certainly support this resolution. Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the previous gentleman for his comments. He is the ranking member on the Foreign Affairs Committee.…
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Eliot Engel
Democratic · New York

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