[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)] [Senate] [Page S7981] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SYRIA Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I rise today in response to the President's announcement on the withdrawal of troops from Syria. Like many of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle, I am deeply concerned that prematurely withdrawing American troops from Syria is contrary to the advice of senior national security officials and that the President's announcement will have negative consequences for our country's national security interests. I am also concerned about the implications of U.S. withdrawal for the security of our allies and for innocent civilians in Syria. Since August of this year, the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and National Security Advisor have all suggested that the Syrian conflict requires sustained U.S. commitment. Just last week, the administration's Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS said that ``we can't just pick up and leave'' Syria. This week, the U.S. Special Representative for Syria Engagement said that the U.S. would remain in Syria until the U.S. achieves three objectives: ensuring the defeat of the Islamic State, reducing Iranian influence, and reaching a political solution to resolve the crisis. The President's announcement contradicts the advice of our diplomats and military leaders and fails to address these issues. These concerns are shared by our key allies, including Israel and Jordan. The withdrawal of U.S. troops will also abandon the Kurds, who have been our partners in the region. Once again, we see the U.S. abandoning critical alliances in favor of narrow and ill-defined aims. I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of the ongoing Syrian conflict and resulting humanitarian crisis, which has led to the worst refugee crisis since World War II. In 2015, I visited a Greek refugee center and met with officials who are dealing with the crisis. I saw groups of children who had traveled alone to try to find better lives, but when we tried to ask one little boy about his story, he did not want to tell us because he and all his friends were afraid that they would be sent back home. I also visited the Za'atari refugee camp in Jordan, where we heard about atrocities taking place in Syria that one refugee said would ``make stones cry.'' This crisis is not over, and it requires an international response and clear U.S. policy. There are no easy solutions in Syria. But what we need is leadership and a comprehensive plan based on the expertise of those on the frontlines, not hasty and ill-informed decision-making. Thank you. ____________________