Scott Statement on President’s Address on ISIL

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the President's address to the nation on ISIL:

"After the execution of two American journalists and numerous human rights violations against Syrian and Iraqi civilians, it is clear that ISIL poses a serious and dangerous threat to the stability of the region and potentially to the United States itself. Tonight, the President laid out a thoughtful but narrowly defined strategy to deal with this immediate threat that includes a broad international coalition of our allies and no American ground troops. The President's strategy will continue to protect U.S. military and non-military personnel, civilians, and those providing humanitarian assistance in the region. Any additional action, however, should be taken only with the authorization of Congress. Therefore, it is incumbent on Congress to review all the facts, debate the issue and decide whether or not to authorize any sustained military action. I look forward to learning more about the details of the President's strategy in a classified briefing tomorrow morning."

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