Rep. Graves Responds To President Obama's Strategy To Counter Islamic State

Statement

U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) issued the following statement after his second briefing this week from Obama Administration officials on the president's plan for fighting the Islamic State:

"The Islamic State is a clear threat to the United States and must be destroyed. I am glad the president has outlined a strategy and announced his commitment to defeating these terrorists wherever they exist. However, when the president speaks about a military campaign lasting years and spanning different countries, Congress needs to provide authorization and then follow up with the resources necessary to win decisively.

"As Congress prepares to act, I would like to see the Administration's plan for holding Syrian opposition fighters accountable if we give them weapons. I also believe we should explore every possible avenue to cut off the Islamic State's financial resources.

"I remain deeply concerned about the Islamic State's threat to our homeland. Congress should take action to strengthen border security and take away citizenship from any American who joins the Islamic State.

"My thoughts today are with the many Americans whose lives have been forever changed by the evil of Islamic terrorism--from the attacks of thirteen years ago to the murder that was broadcast last week. Our servicemembers and their families deserve unending gratitude and support for fighting this evil on our behalf."

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