WASHINGTON, D.C.–Fighting ISIS where the organization is doing the most damage is the plan by Pres. Obama, but not with troops on the ground. The president outlined his strategy in a speech to the American people Wednesday, saying air strikes in Iraq and Syria would be effective. Mississippi’s Congressional delegation reacted to the speech.
“We will not get dragged into another ground war in Iraq,” said the president.
“For months, the President has downplayed this threat and has sent mixed messages to our enemies and our allies about our resolve. I look forward to the plan outlined by the President tonight finally replacing the Administration’s past policies of half-measures and disengagement. I hope the President will match his tough talk with action,” said Sen. Roger Wicker (R), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee
“I look forward to hearing more details about how the President plans to execute his strategy when Secretary Hagel and General Dempsey testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee next week.”
Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-2nd District), said that protecting the United States should not be a partisan issue.
“While I appreciate the President for outlining a strategy for dismantling the organization, both Congress and the executive branch should understand the situation in Syria is complex, challenging and fluid. As we pursue action, we must make sure we thoroughly vet our Syrian allies and ensure our intelligence and information sharing efforts with our international coalition partners are robust and reciprocated.”
Thompson is Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Sen. Thad Cochran (R), vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, said the president should be prepared to work with the legislative branch.
“The President’s speech on the eve of the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is a stark reminder that we live in a volatile and dangerous world. The barbaric actions of Islamic State are abhorrent to us, and our nation must act with resolve to protect both the innocent and our security interests. The President has now outlined a strategy that will require his administration to work closely with Congress and the international community. I will do my part with the firm belief that our focus must remain on keeping Americans safe.”
