Rep. Schneider Votes to Provide Department of Defense with Tools to Take Action Against ISIS

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) voted in favor of a short-term authorization that will provide the Department of Defense (DOD) with the tools it needs to take targeted action against ISIS to protect American lives and support U.S. allies in the Middle East.

“Today’s vote is a step toward containing ISIS and ultimately eliminating the regional and global threat they pose. The recent military gains ISIS has achieved in Iraq and Syria represent a clear and present danger to American national security, both directly to American interests and as a destabilizing force in a critically important region. As well, ISIS is responsible for increasingly dire humanitarian crises in both Syria and Iraq, as evidenced by the horrific atrocities committed against Christians, Yazidis and other religious minorities.

“This authorization specifically allows for supplying and training carefully vetted Syrian opposition fighters as part of a broader strategy against ISIS.  While I remain resolute that U.S. engagement in Iraq and Syria must not involve combat troops on the ground, it is critical that we work with our international partners, and in particular our allies in the region, to stop the spread of this dangerous terrorist threat.”

The authorization would allow the DOD greater flexibility to coordinate military action against ISIS while ensuring that there will not be U.S. combat troops on the ground in Iraq or Syria. The authorization would last until December of this year, at which time Congress would need to act in order to continue this effort.

The amendment passed the House with a vote of 273 - 156. The measure will now be considered by the Senate.