Lummis Votes to Ensure Congress Debates Operations Against ISIS

Press Release

Today U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis (WY-at large) voted against House Continuing Resolution 55: to direct the president to withdraw U.S. forces deployed to Iraq in support of operations against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq (ISIS). This bill, which failed in the House 288-139, would have forced a withdrawal of troops in the next 30 days and abruptly ended air support in Iraq and Syria. The legislation would have also stopped training of allies in the Middle East that would leave U.S. allies suddenly abandoned and allow ISIS to advance.

Last week Rep. Lummis voted for an amendment to Department of Defense (DOD) Appropriations that would have limited funding for operations against ISIS through March of 2016 unless President Obama presents a plan that is then approved by Congress to authorize use of military force before that time.

"Despite having no clear strategy or direction from the White House, our troops on the ground and in the skies over Iraq and Syria have been helping stall the ruthless ISIS forces," said Rep. Lummis. "To simply pull these trainers and pilots out and stop all assistance for our allies in the region would not only leave our allies in a dangerous lurch, but would encourage ISIS fighters throughout the Middle East to push harder. In contrast, the DOD appropriation amendment I supported last week was a responsible way to ensure Congress debate and decide on authorization for these operations. Congress needs to debate and decide on operations against ISIS but we should not abandon our allies or leave ISIS unchecked while doing so."

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