Palazzo Opposes Authorization to Arm Syrian Rebels

Statement

Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement after opposing authorization to train and equip Syrian rebels to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL):

"As a Marine who has served in this very region of the world, I believe our men and women in uniform deserve a strong, comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIL. Today's vote to provide equipment and training to Syrian rebels is an arbitrary half-measure, and one that won't work. I cannot support handing weapons to a force unless I am 100% confident that our American soldiers won't have to face fire from those same weapons in the future.

ISIL is a threat to Americans here at home and to our allies abroad. They are well-organized, well-trained, and well-financed. I support a U.S. led coalition of international partners to defeat this terrorist group. We need to give our men and women in uniform and military commanders every tool they need to get the job done. But arming an unknown, un-vetted, and unreliable group of rebels is simply not the right strategy."

Source