Rooney Amendment Strips Authorization for Arming Syrian Rebels

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Tom Rooney (FL-17) today introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to strike authorization and funding for arming and training of the Syrian rebels.

“I have grave concerns about arming the rebels when the Administration cannot adequately explain the vetting process, nor can they assure us these weapons won’t end up in the hands of terrorists. The early results for this program have not been promising.

“Additionally, if the President and supporters of his strategy want to make the case for this approach to the American people and their representatives in Congress, then they should do so through a full and open debate over a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF). We should not use the NDAA to approve what I feel is a doomed strategy in Syria without so much as a debate or a stand-alone vote.”

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