On the recordNovember 17, 2015
I join with my colleague from Illinois. This is certainly a bipartisan issue. On Friday, the world watched in horror as Paris endured multiple murderous attacks by Islamist radicals. My thoughts and prayers go out to the citizens of France, the oldest ally of the American people. I know it is certain that the French values of liberty, equality, and fraternity will never weaken in the face of terror. President Francois Hollande yesterday reminded the world that France is a country of freedom. In the last month of the global war on terrorism, Daesh, or ISIL, has murdered 244 on a Russian jetliner, 41 have been murdered in Beirut, Lebanon, and now 129 were murdered across Paris, with a direct threat to attack Washington and Rome. The President should change course to eliminate safe havens for Islamist radicals. Terrorists are trying to break our will with acts of cruel cowardice, but they are mistaken. We will fight together to protect our values and to protect American families. As co-chair of the French Caucus, and of French heritage, I especially appreciate our friendship with the citizens of France. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. France is the latest direct target in the global war on terrorism. ____________________
