Hoyer Statement on President Obama's Address on ISIL

Press Release

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement this evening after President Obama's address to the nation on ISIL and the situation in the Middle East:

"Tonight, President Obama laid out a clear and comprehensive counterterrorism strategy to degrade and destroy the terrorist group ISIL, which has murdered two American journalists along with thousands of innocent Iraqis and Syrians. Its effort to impose a draconian regime in the heart of the Middle East through violent means undermines regional stability and poses a threat to the region, including American personnel in the area, and, if left unanswered, a long-term threat to our homeland.

"Committing U.S. air power, training, and equipment is only one aspect of this strategy, albeit a critical one. Defeating ISIL will require a strong international coalition, which the United States is already assembling. It also demands an inclusive Iraqi government that works across sectarian lines to reach political agreement. I hope the new government of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi will work to achieve this goal.

"I look forward to continuing consultations with the Administration as we work to address this challenge, and I thank the members of our Armed Forces working to carry out this important mission."

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