Shea-Porter Statement on President's Speech and Classified Briefings on ISIL

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter released the following statement on the President's speech and classified briefings on ISIL:

"I listened closely to President Obama's speech last night. I have attended several briefings and discussions on ISIL in the past few days, including a bipartisan classified briefing today on ISIL and President Obama's strategy to deal with this terrorist group and the threat it is posing. Briefers included General Martin Dempsey, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Tony Blinken, Deputy National Security Advisor, and others. I have listened to various opinions from experts, and I still believe what I have been saying from the beginning. I support air strikes, but I do not support American boots on the ground. President Obama is right about building a coalition. I believe countries in that region need to provide money and troops to fight ISIS, and there needs to be political reconciliation between Iraqis if they are to defeat this dangerous group. We also need to pursue those who are traveling to these regions from other countries to fight for ISIS. I believe we can win this battle against ISIS by building a strong coalition and working together, and I know we must destroy this threat. I am a member of the House Armed Services Committee and I will be monitoring this rapidly changing situation very closely."

Source