Ted Poe: “The amendment is to train and equip Syrian rebels. Well, let us see how that has worked in the past when America has…”

“The amendment is to train and equip Syrian rebels. Well, let us see how that has worked in the past when America has trained and equipped individuals. The United States has spent billions of dollars in Iraq to train and equip Iraqi soldiers. The first time they came in contact with the ISIS members, they cut and ran. This is ISIS propaganda that was on the Internet. This is an American tank now in the possession of ISIS when the Iraqis cut and ran. This is a Humvee going through a parade; also, four Humvees that, apparently, have never been used that are now in the possession of ISIS when the Iraqis cut and ran. Now we want to arm Syrian rebels to keep them fighting for America. Well, let us see how that has worked in the past. In September 2013, The Wall Street Journal reported that ISIS raided a Free Syrian Army weapons depot, taking small arms and ammunition provided by the CIA. In December 2013, Free Syrian Army weapons warehoused on the Syrian- Turkey border were seized by the Islamic Front. They, like the Iraqis, cannot keep up with American arms. Second, some say in this amendment we will support the Free Syrian Army because they are going to be examined and we will make sure that they are vetted very well. But let us understand and see how that is working out. What is a Free Syrian Army rebel today is an ISIS member tomorrow.…”