Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement today after voting against funding to train and equip Syrian rebels as part of a broad strategy to combat the terrorist organization ISIL.

“ISIL represents a clear threat to the security of Iraq and Syria, to the broader Middle East, and ultimately to the U.S. home front. The President has put together a comprehensive strategy to address this growing threat that includes strong engagement from moderate Muslim allies, increased technical assistance and air support for indigenous forces fighting ISIL on the ground in Iraq and Syria, tighter border controls to prevent the free flow of terrorists, and coordinated efforts to disrupt ISIL's financial lifelines. 

“While I support the development of a comprehensive, international approach to address this threat in concept, the vote on training and equipping the moderate Syrian opposition was rushed by Congress and requires further deliberation and debate as to the long term consequences and full scope of U.S. involvement.  For this reason I voted no."

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