Walorski, Donnelly, Coats react to Obama's address on ISIL

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Published: Thursday, 11 September 2014 17:50

In a 13-minute address to the nation Wednesday night (Sept. 10), President Barack Obama outlined a "counter-terrorism campaign" against ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), also known as ISIL.

The president, speaking from the White House, lifted restrictions on U.S. strikes in Iraq against the terrorist group, and authorized direct attacks against ISIL in Syria for the first time.

Obama said the U.S. would go on the offence, launching “a steady, relentless effort to take out” the extremist group that has taken control of parts of Iraq and Syria.

The president also said that the U.S. will join “with our friends and allies to degrade, and ultimately destroy, the terrorist group known as ISIL”

Read the full text of President Obama's address here.

Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (whose district includes Pulaski County), and U.S. Senators Joe Donnelly and Dan Coats of Indiana all issued statements following the President's address to the nation.

Walorski reaction to President’s speech on Islamic State:

WASHINGTON D.C. - Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-IN2), member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after hearing President Obama’s address to the nation on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL):

“While I agree with the president on the destruction of ISIL, there are many questions that have been left unanswered. Tonight’s message was an ‘about face’ from the president's previous comments about the growing threat of terrorism. In fact, the lack of leadership from the administration has led to a foreign policy vacuum which groups like ISIL have filled. 

"I firmly believe that Congress must have a say in any major decision of war and peace because the American people must have a voice. That’s why I’ll be participating in a classified briefing tomorrow morning to gather more information and going back to my district to hear from Hoosiers. I’m also supporting a measure to revoke U.S. citizens’ passports that are affiliated with foreign terrorist organizations. Traitors who have turned against America and joined the ranks of the terrorist army like ISIL should not be permitted to return to the United States to potentially inflict harm at home. I remain committed to the defense of this nation and believe that Congressional oversight of the president’s decisions are crucial.”

Donnelly statement following President Obama address on ISIS threat:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) issued the following statement tonight after President Obama addressed the nation regarding the threat of ISIS and plans for U.S. military action to combat the violent extremist group.

“ISIS is an extremely violent group that poses an ongoing, serious threat to the Middle East, the U.S., and our allies around the world. I support ongoing and future air strikes against ISIS in Iraq, and I support the President’s new proposal for air strikes in Syria. 

“The U.S. is not alone in the fight against ISIS. They are a threat to us all, without regard for international borders or the rule of law. I agree with the president that it is important to engage our allies around the world and especially in the Middle East, but we must act quickly. Among all our partners in this fight, none is more critical right now than the Iraqi government in Baghdad. It is essential to addressing the threat of ISIS that Iraq’s leadership send a strong message of inclusion to Iraq’s religious and ethnic minorities. Prime Minister Abadi must work swiftly to build an inclusive coalition government, as well as effective security partnerships with Sunni tribal groups to counter ISIS.

“I believe that President Obama has existing authority to take the actions he outlined tonight. I do, however, think that that the President’s ability to respond forcefully and effectively to protect American interests would be strengthened by seeking authorization from Congress.”

Coats statement on President’s ISIL speech

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, tonight issued the following statement after President Obama’s speech about the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL):

“The president’s speech was a sharp, welcome reversal to his previous comments on foreign policy. He has finally grasped the true nature of the threat that ISIL poses, and his response to begin the process of taking down this so-called caliphate is welcome news.

“The president incorporated in his speech many of the elements I have called for and that are necessary to achieve success. One is pursuing ISIL forces wherever they are, rather than his previous policy of using force only in Iraq. Also, the president’s call for coalition building is essential, but it is critical that moderate Muslim states play a significant role in this effort.

“The president’s plan seemed to limit ground forces to the Iraqi Army and Syrian Free Army, both of which have not shown that they can match up to ISIL. The key here is to be resolute in doing what is necessary to defeat ISIL. The president’s reference to using the same strategy we are using in Yemen and Somalia must be put in the context of the limited success we are having in these countries.

“The American people need to understand that if we are to be successful, we are in for a long and protracted effort that will require a resolute commitment from the United States. The region and the world are looking to America and to President Obama for leadership.”