Lankford Supports Continuing Resolution, Authorizes Training and Equipment to Fight ISIS

Press Release

Representative James Lankford (R-Okla.) today joined Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass H.J. Res. 124, the bipartisan, short-term continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government at current levels through December 11, 2014. The bill passed the House in a vote of 319 to 108 and now awaits action by the Senate.

"Although CRs are still a bad method of funding the federal government, I supported the government funding bill today to stop an increase in federal spending and prevent another government shutdown," said Lankford.

"This spring and summer, the House drafted and considered seven appropriations bills to fund portions of the government in accordance with the House-passed FY15 budget's top-line numbers. However, the Senate failed to pass a budget or pass any appropriations bills again this year. This is an unacceptable method of operation, but we have no other option than to pass a CR at this point at the lower, House-agreed number from 2013."

Rep. Lankford voted in favor of the only amendment made in order, the McKeon Amendment, which provides authorization for training and equipment for select Syrian rebel groups to fight the ISIS terrorist group. The amendment requires the Department of Defense to provide details to Congress on exactly how they would accomplish those goals 15 days before its implementation and a report every 90 days after the first report.

"A week ago, the President asked the House to include very narrow language in the CR that would allow the U.S. Military to train and equip Free Syrian Army individuals to defend themselves," continued Lankford. "I can understand why any soldier in any country would want training from the U.S. military. They are the best trained, equipped, disciplined and moral fighting force in the history of warfare. Many members of this body and of the Administration have asked for months for greater training of the Free Syrian Army. If we had not previously trained and equipped the Iraqis and Kurds, ISIS would have already overrun Iraq and moved against our allies in the region.

"But this vote is not an authorization to use military force in Syria, and it is not a vote to ignore the nuclear threats in Iran, as we negotiate with them over ISIS. The President has a responsibility to protect Americans and American interests, which will require a real strategy, not just training 5,000 foreign fighters.

"Additionally, the bill we passed today provided for an extension of the Ex-Im Bank's authorization. The Ex-Im Bank needs serious reform, and we should make every attempt to craft significant reforms.

"The fight to return to funding the federal government the legally proper way through budget and appropriations bills is not over. We've seen how these Senate-mandated, short-term CRs only prolong solutions to our nation's skyrocketing debt. I also anticipate the required progress reports from the Department of Defense to ensure we properly utilize American taxpayer dollars to end the threat from ISIS as quickly and safely as possible," concluded Lankford.

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