WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to deny safe haven to the terrorist organization known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the U.S. Senate today voted for a limited authorization measure to train and equip vetted members of the Syrian opposition in regional facilities outside of Syria.  The authorization, which passed 78-22, uses existing funds and requires the Obama Administration to give periodic status reports to Congress.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, voted in favor of the authorization.  Reed stated:

“This authority is a three-month continuation of long-standing American policy to combat terrorism and protect Americans.  ISIL has targeted many innocent people.  Now, they are being targeted by nations in the region and around the world, with support from the United States.  This is just one part of a multi-dimensional strategy to degrade and destroy ISIL, just as has been done against other al Qaeda-linked groups.   

“As one of the few who voted against President Bush’s ill-founded invasion of Iraq, I am very mindful of Rhode Islanders’ concerns about the appropriate use of our troops.  This resolution does not authorize the use of American ground troops in Syria.  We are stronger and more successful when we work with our allies on things like intelligence, training, air support, and cutting off ISIL’s cash flow, recruits, and supply lines.  We can target terrorists training camps and their command and control.  But others in the region and the indigenous forces already on the ground are going to need to step up, contribute, and fight for their own future. 

“Indeed, contrary to the claims of some who demand a return to large-scale, U.S.-led ground combat operations, the last decade has demonstrated that while our military can defeat anyone on the battlefield, lasting, durable peace requires a steadfast commitment from a country’s own citizens.

“As the President said: ‘we’ll stand with people who fight for their own freedom, and rally other nations on behalf of our common security and humanity.’  But I will not support any mission that asks American troops to do for Iraqis or Syrians what they aren’t willing to do for themselves.”

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the measure on a bipartisan 273-156 vote last night.  It now goes to the President to be signed into law.

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