[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 134 (Thursday, September 18, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H7863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE ISLAMIC STATE IN THE LEVANT

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is hard to overstate 
the threat posed by ISIL. Former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and 
Afghanistan Ryan Crocker recently stated:

       I call it al Qaeda version 6.0. They are far better 
     organized, equipped, and funded. They are more experienced 
     and more numerous, and, for the first time since 9/11, a 
     determined and capable enemy has the space and security to 
     plan complex, longer-range operations.

  We are presented few good options in confronting ISIL. However, 
failing to confront this brutal terrorist group is not one of them.
  The combat component of this strategy must be executed by local 
forces. Yesterday, the House passed a bipartisan resolution that 
reinforces this principle. The measure authorizes neither U.S. troops 
in a combat role nor additional taxpayer funding.
  It does allow the Department of Defense to seek to reprogram existing 
funds for training, and it also includes new oversight provisions to 
ensure the administration's plan is managed within the confines of the 
law.
  Mr. Speaker, this action is a step forward in helping the region take 
on and defeat ISIL, which is fundamental to U.S. national security.

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