Political Quotes

“Mr. President, ISIS took a big hit over the weekend when U.S. forces raided ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's compound in Syria. Al-Baghdadi died in the raid after he detonated a suicide vest in a final act of cowardice, killing three children with him. The second in command was confirmed killed in a second military strike hours later, leaving the organization temporarily leaderless. Over the past few years, ISIS has spilled a river of blood across the Middle East. Its brutality has set it apart even among other terrorist organizations. Torture, rape, enslavement, crucifixions, beheadings, and the deliberate targeting of whole populations based on their religious beliefs--the list of crimes is long and often nearly unspeakable. The world is a safer place today because of al-Baghdadi's death. This impact will only be temporary unless we dedicate ourselves to ensuring that ISIS is permanently defeated. The successful raid on al-Baghdadi's compound is a reminder of the fact that our military may be called on at a moment's notice to head halfway around the world to fight evil. The men and women of the U.S. military stand on guard 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to put themselves between us and danger. This past weekend, I had the honor of helping to welcome home 112 South Dakota Army National Guard soldiers of the 147th Forward Support Company and Bravo Battery of the 147th Field Artillery Battalion.…”