Labrador Calls for Debate, Vote Before Further Military Action Against ISIS

Press Release

Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-ID) called for an open debate and a public vote before pursuing further U.S. military engagement against the Islamic State (ISIS). With Congress set to return to Washington next week, Rep. Labrador issued the following statement:

"The acts committed by ISIS are abhorrent and should be condemned by all civilized people. Under our Constitution, the president needs congressional authorization to engage in war. As members of Congress, we must be more than a rubber stamp for the president's military actions. Before we commit additional U.S. assets and lives to this fight, Americans deserve an open debate and public vote.

"If the president believes further military action is required against ISIS, he should present his case to Congress. To justify the most solemn action a member of Congress can take, I must be convinced that ISIS poses a direct threat to the United States, that the mission is well-defined, that there is an exit strategy and that our nationis committed to finishing the job.

"If we conclude that aggressive intervention is necessary, it must be targeted, specific to the threat and of limited duration. As Congress returns to Washington, I urge the leadership of both parties to allow a full and deliberate debate on this matter."

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