[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 20, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H5646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   STOP ISIS' GROWING EMPIRE OF EVIL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stress the importance of 
supporting our allies in the region buckling under the weight of 
radicalization and a refugee crisis.
  The current surge of Syrian refugees sweeping across Europe is 
challenging the European Union to decisively manage and absorb hundreds 
of thousands of people fleeing hostilities in the Middle East. Within 
the United States, we have also begun to feel its effect on our 
borders.
  In an effort to further address the continued challenges associated 
with relocation and placement, members of the United Nations gathered 
yesterday for a summit to address the mass movement of refugees, with 
the goal of unifying member countries behind a more coordinated, humane 
response.
  Sadly, with reports of violence related to this crisis and an 
emboldened enemy that has vowed to take advantage of this vulnerable 
population through means of infiltration and radicalization, we must 
remain vigilant, and the safety and security of the United States must 
be our paramount concern.
  As political and religious minorities are forced to flee their homes 
to find safe haven, we must work with our allies to ensure that those 
who prey on these individuals and sow fear internationally reap only 
swift justice in return. We can ill afford for ISIS and its network of 
radicalized lone wolves to gain a critical foothold in Europe from 
which to stage and broadcast its horrifying brand of terrorism.
  One of these vulnerable allies currently in the crosshairs of the 
refugee crisis is Greece. In fact, just yesterday, one of Greece's 
largest refugee camps went up in flames, forcing thousands to flee. 
With civil wars in both Libya and Syria, Greece is strategically 
situated to respond, or fall, to foreign threats posed by ISIS.
  Souda Bay, located in the northwest corner of the Greek island of 
Crete, extends our security response capabilities by providing, 
operating, and sustaining superior facilities and services dedicated to 
combat readiness and security of ships, aircraft, detachments, and 
personnel.
  Souda Bay has and continues to play a key role in providing security 
to a region under continual assault from threats to humanity. Along 
with our strategic partner, Cyprus, which houses airbases used in the 
fight against ISIS, Greece is a key forward base for the Western 
alliance.
  While Greece's location allows Western forces a convenient base from 
which to confront ISIS, it also makes the country the front line of the 
refugee crisis. Because of its numerous Aegean islands, Greece is one 
of the largest countries in the world by coastline. As we witnessed 
during the height of the refugee crisis, that coastline provides many 
landing spots for refugees crossing the Aegean from Turkey.
  Just as Greece stands with us in the fight against ISIS, we must 
stand with Greece, providing technical assistance, surveillance and 
intelligence, and equipment, as it faces increased flows of refugees. 
Greece represents the easternmost borders of the West, and we must 
ensure that this border is protected.
  I agree, Mr. Speaker, there is a better way with regard to our 
national security. Moving forward, it is paramount that we work with 
regional allies like Greece in order to mitigate the rising death toll, 
provide a safe area for moderate opposition to form governing 
structures and rebuild civil society, and allow for the introduction of 
humanitarian aid.
  This issue should not be a partisan one, Mr. Speaker. Our national 
security is a priority we can all agree on. America has always been at 
its safest when we lead from the front and not from behind. We must not 
be afraid to stare down evil and take action with our allies around the 
globe, especially in the Mediterranean. Together, we must stop ISIS' 
growing empire of evil before more innocent lives are destroyed.

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