[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 112 (Tuesday, July 12, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H4664-H4665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ADDRESSING SECURITY THREATS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Ashford) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ASHFORD. Mr. Speaker, we should not leave on the longest summer 
break in more than three decades while our Nation faces serious 
security threats.
  There is no greater responsibility for this body than to keep our 
communities and our families safe. We face real threats from around the 
world, from the Zika virus, cyber threats, China, Russia, and North 
Korea. All of these demand attention, but we must act now to destroy 
ISIS.
  The campaign of destruction waged by ISIS has created the worst 
crisis in the Middle East in a generation and is threatening American 
lives at home and abroad.
  When I traveled to the Middle East 17 months ago, I came home and 
said that this must be our top priority. Congress must come together to 
develop a comprehensive strategy that attacks ISIS on all fronts, 
online and on the ground,

[[Page H4665]]

reducing and eliminating its territory and its ability to direct 
attacks around the globe. A commitment to this effort will allow our 
military to make long-term strategic decisions.
  It is important for Republicans and Democrats alike to find a common 
vision for this effort. I do not believe that we cannot have and should 
not have a do-nothing summer while Americans are in jeopardy.

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