[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 177 (Tuesday, December 8, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S8479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMBAT ISIS AND PROTECT AND SECURE THE UNITED STATES ACT OF 2015

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, Senate Democrats are proposing important 
legislation to help combat the threat of ISIS and to keep Americans 
safe. It would strengthen the security of the Visa Waiver Program and 
close the terrorist gun loophole. I am a cosponsor of these efforts. We 
need to respond to the threat of ISIS--wherever it exists--and we need 
to work with our international partners to combat this barbaric 
terrorist group.
  The President has adopted a limited and necessary military response. 
We stand here, elected by our constituents to give weight to their 
voices in our democracy. I hear from Vermonters every week concerned 
about the threat of ISIS. I also hear their concerns about further 
expanding what has been an unending war.
  It is time for Congress to weigh in with more than just talking 
points and heated rhetoric. Congress has a duty to debate what further 
military role the United States should take in combating ISIS. Before 
we send our men and women into harm's way, Congress should vote on a 
new, limited authorization for the use of military force. We should 
sunset any new authorization of military force and require Congress to 
renew and reauthorize its authority.
  The ill-fated war in Iraq cost thousands of lives and trillions of 
dollars and has left the region no more safe and secure than when it 
started more than a decade ago. Congress can't make that mistake again. 
I support strategic, authorized military efforts to dismantle ISIS, but 
just as I opposed the war in Iraq, I will not support a blank check 
that perpetuates unending war.

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