Newsletter - Pushing for a Strategy to Combat Terrorism

Statement

Dear Friends,

In the weeks ahead, Congress will be engaged in a lengthy, thorough debate on President Obama's request for new authority to use U.S. military force against Islamic State terrorists. As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I believe this request is overdue. I have long disagreed with the President's position that his administration already had authority to conduct war without Congressional approval.

I continue to support an aggressive counterterrorist strategy that includes airstrikes and other counterterrorism measures that have proved effective against the Islamic State, al Qaeda and other terrorists in places like Afghanistan, Yemen and North Africa. But I am deeply concerned that the President's request would effectively enable U.S. troops to conduct ground operations just about anytime, anywhere for three years. Let me be clear -- I will strongly oppose proposals that would allow the United States to get pulled into another ground war in the Middle East.

Appropriately, the upcoming debate will focus much attention on whether the specific details of the President's request -- its geographic scope, timelines and treatment of U.S. boots on the ground -- are too limited or too expansive. But I'm concerned that Congress, once again, won't address America's need for a comprehensive strategy to eliminate the underlying conditions that give rise to the Islamic State and other terrorist groups.

In a recent Op-Ed, which you can read here, I discussed why the United States needs a long-term strategy to stop terrorism at its source. Without this, Congress and future presidents will still be debating airstrikes, whether to commit U.S. ground troops and the wisdom of arming so-called moderates for years to come.

It is a privilege to represent you in Congress. If you have any questions regarding this or any other issue, please contact my office by calling (202) 225-5541 or by clicking here.

Sincerely,
Jim

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