On the recordSeptember 29, 2015
As our eyes turn toward New York both in terms of the Pope's visit last week and his call for us to address the mandatory needs of refugees around the world, in the last 24 hours, we heard from the President of Russia, Mr. Putin, and our President on Syria. I think it is important for this Congress to begin to look again at a man by the name of Assad, who is not only poisoning his own people, but bombing hospitals and ambulances and creating a situation of devastation. I think the President is correct that Assad must go, and there must be a reconciliation as to how that proceeds. To Mr. Putin, who has a stake in this area, through Syria, you have to come with the world family and begin to think of those who are suffering. We can work together, but Assad cannot stay. We must find a way for the good people of Syria to be able to return in peace and justice and equality. The United Nations must take a stand. We must come together in this Congress, working with the President and working with world leaders to restore tranquility and peace to this region with Assad gone and certainly ISIL done away with, if you will, to provide stability in the area. ____________________
