Blumenthal Statement On Administration Strategy To Counter ISIL

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today released the following statement on Administration strategy to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL):

“I support in principle the President’s strategy to stop intolerable terrorist attacks by ISIL on American people and interests. Targeted military actions, combined with economic and diplomatic efforts in coordination with global and regional partners, seem to be the best means to degrade and defeat this terrorist organization. 

“I remain concerned that this course of action may contain substantial risks – including lack of a clear exit strategy and a potential open-ended military commitment – that must be addressed. Today marks thirteen years of our nation at war. There must be better-defined, achievable objectives so we avoid putting our service members again on the ground.  

“I join with the President in believing the nation's effort to deter and defeat ISIL would be well served by Congressional approval for this counter-terrorism strategy. Such Congressional approval is necessary to strengthen both his legal authority and national resolve and public support to complete a task that may well continue beyond President Obama’s term in office.”