Smith Statement on Strikes Against the Islamic State

Statement

Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today released the following statement after initial U.S. airstrikes were conducted with coalition partners in Syria against the Islamic State and groups with ties to Al Qaeda.

Congressman Smith: "Our first thought should be the safety and success of all our men and women in uniform now engaged in Iraq and Syria. In the coming days, I will closely monitor the progress of our coalition efforts with our allies. I also stand ready to return to Washington to continue a healthy debate of these issues. For now, Congress has granted the only authority the president has requested. That limited train and equip authority is separate from the military actions the president is now undertaking. According to the War Powers Act, the president needs specific authorization from Congress if he plans to engage U.S. forces in hostilities for more than 60 days. I am glad the president continues to affirm his resolve to defeat the Islamic State and groups with ties to Al Qaeda who have plotted against the U.S. and our allies. Our enemies must once more fear us as we stand against forces of evil in the world that would do harm to our nation."

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