The President on Wednesday gave a speech outlining his government's strategy against ISIS. The president sanctioned an increase in airstrikes across Syrian territory and also an addition of 450 non-combat troops in Syria. These non-combat troops will provide aid for the Syrian opposition in dealing with the ISIS terror threat.
The United States Congress held nothing back in voicing their opinions on Obama's speech. House Speaker john Boehner, R-Ohio, a known critic of Obama, voiced support for the airstrikes and deployment of non-combat troops to Syria. He went further on to applaud Obama for taking a decisive action against a terror threat, claiming it was a case "the nation needed to make". He emphasized that the destruction of terrorism "must be the highest priority of the United States".
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif, supported the Presidents call for an increased support of the Syrian military against ISIS. He also supported the request for additional authority to assist the Syrian opposition. He, however, stated that more needs to be done.
House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif, stated that through a non-combative troops-on-ground approach as well as through the assistance of coalition partners, the U.S would lead an effective counter terrorism operation to "dismantle the threat ISIS poses to the United States."
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev, termed the president's speech as "a strong and decisive strategy to destroy ISIS without repeating the mistakes of the past in the Middle East." The mistakes he was referring to include the U.S invasion of both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Georgia State Senator Saxby Chambliss, the Republican's top Intelligence Committee member added support for Obama's approach. He stated that he was encouraged by Obama's toughened stance on ISIS and his willingness to stronger action against ISIS. He said: "Tonight, the president has announced the United States' willingness to lead a coalition to destroy ISIL, and I support these efforts."
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