Rep. Bonamici Statement on Passage of Amendment to Train and Equip Syrian Opposition Forces

Washington, D.C. —Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) released the following statement after the House passed the continuing resolution to fund the government, which includes an amendment to provide the Department of Defense with the authority to train and equip Syrian opposition forces.

“The barbaric actions of ISIL have caused turmoil and fear in the Middle East. Through beheadings and ethnic cleansing, ISIL has shown that it will be ruthless in its attempt to use terror to expand control of the Middle East. ISIL is a threat to our allies in the region and to the entire global community. Training and equipping appropriately vetted Syrian opposition forces, in addition to U.S. airstrikes, will strengthen our international coalition and support our effort to dismantle ISIL.

“I do not take any decision involving U.S. military action lightly. The amendment I supported today is limited in scope and duration. It will discourage potential ISIL recruits from joining the group; instead building a viable anti-ISIL force on the ground.

“Doing nothing to tip the balance of power in Syria will give ISIL free reign. That is unacceptable. This approach is short-term, requires congressional oversight, and does not commit any U.S. ground troops. It assists populations already confronting ISIL and it contributes to the international effort to remove this threat from the region.”

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