Southerland Votes for Targeted Response to ISIS

Statement

U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, II voted this week to authorize the Secretary of Defense to train and equip appropriately vetted elements of the Syrian opposition against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The provision was introduced by Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-CA) as an amendment to a government funding bill.

"As ISIS continues to behead innocent Americans, I refuse to stand by and do nothing as evildoers instill fear and spread destruction around the world," said Southerland. "By training and equipping opposition forces that have been closely-vetted by U.S. Special Forces, this targeted action -- as recommended by our generals -- is an important step forward in countering the rise of ISIS without putting American troops on the ground.

"This is not a blank check to the President or a Pandora's box for unilateral action in the future. Unlike the administration's request, the measure I voted for expires in December, includes no new funding, and requires serious congressional oversight. If the President fails to properly manage this effort and lay forth a comprehensive strategy for confronting ISIS, I cannot and will not support renewal of this program in the future."

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