Congressman Smith Responds to President's Plan for ISIS Threat

Today we mark the thirteenth anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on the U.S. in American history. America will never forget the thousands who lost their lives and loved ones on that day in 2001. I will never forget that morning when a plane struck the Pentagon as I was driving by on my way to work. Those cowardly attacks forever changed our nation.

The September 11, 2012 attacks in Benghazi took the lives of a U.S. ambassador and three other Americans, reminding us that threats still remain. And in recent weeks we find ourselves dealing with yet another terrorist group in the Middle East that threatens the safety and security of our nation. The forces now moving across Syria and Iraq have no regard for human life or the rule of law. The brutal beheadings of two American journalists shows just what these terrorists are capable of. We must be wise as we decide what actions to take. But we must take this threat seriously, and we must defeat the terrorists who call themselves the Islamic State.

It is clear that the president has greatly underestimated ISIS, just as he underestimated that terrorist groups would be emboldened by the accelerated removal of U.S. forces from Iraq. Last night, he presented his plan for dealing with ISIS to the American people. I agree with him that we should form a broad coalition to root out, not simply 'roll back', these forces. And once we have set in motion a plan, we must stay the course. We have heard strong words before, but words alone are not enough. Over the next few days I will consult with colleagues in Congress - and my constituents – as we consider the president’s request for additional authorities.

Americans remember where they were thirteen years ago when terrorists attacked our homeland and tried to break our country’s spirit. Once more, we must unite to stand against forces of evil in the world that would do harm to our nation and to our people.