Rep. Takano Votes No on Amendment to Train and Equip Syrian Rebels

Washington DC – Earlier today, Rep. Mark Takano voted “no” on the Amendment to train and equip elements of the Syrian opposition. After the vote, Rep. Takano released the following statement:

 

“After receiving briefings from Administration officials and Congressional leadership, and speaking with numerous national security officials and experts, I decided to vote against the McKeon amendment that would train and equip elements of the Syrian opposition for the purpose of confronting and defeating ISIS. Congress should have a full and proper debate and then proceed to vote on a new Authorization for Use of Military Force – one that applies to the current situation in the Middle East and is not more than a decade old. I am concerned that without a full and proper debate, the United States would be implementing an incomplete and impulsive strategy that could drag our country into yet another extended quagmire in the Middle East. It is my hope that my colleagues will schedule a substantive, vigorous debate on how to confront ISIS and pass an ISIS specific Authorization for Use of Military Force.”