Wagner Floor Speech on ISIL

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) spoke on the floor of the United States House of Representatives this morning about the President's plan to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jfGCnOKOBo&feature=youtu.be

Remarks as prepared for delivery:

Thank you Madam Speaker – I rise today to talk about one of the greatest threats to the United States of America and our allies.

An evil that is so barbaric and ruthless that it can't be ignored but only dismantled and destroyed.

Madam Speaker, I am talking about the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, also known as ISIL.

Like many of you, I watched in horror as two American journalists – James Foley and Steven Sotloff - and a British citizen, David Haines -- were gruesomely murdered by ISIL.

As a mother and as an American - my thoughts and prayers go out to their families and to all the victims of this vile terrorist group.

Madam Speaker - ISIL is the most ruthless and well-financed terrorist group in the world.

Their goal is simple: to kill the innocent and ultimately terrorize the United States of America and our allies.

We have an obligation – one that has been long overdue – to stop this barbaric terrorist organization before they strike us at home.

Madam Speaker – we must not let that happen.

We must stand together – stand together as a nation – a people – in unified bipartisan fashion - to stop ISIL once and for all.

Make no mistake about it; we are at war with radical Islam.

ISIL must not have a safe haven in Syria or anywhere else, with the time and the space to operate and carry out attacks against our allies and our homeland.

They must be destroyed.

Our Commander in Chief has asked for the tools to defeat ISIL.

And Madam Speaker - I will support the President in our effort to complete the mission and to defeat the enemy.

But I do remain concerned that the President does not have the long-term vision and the will to complete the mission.

As Americans, we should all want the President to succeed.

The cost of failure is far too great.

However, the cost of not acting is even greater.

The President's rhetoric must match his action and his resolve.

Madam Speaker – Congress will answer the call of the American people and give the President the tools that he has asked for while providing rigorous oversight and requiring accountability during the duration of this military campaign.

We must complete the mission.

I for one stand ready to work with anyone to defend our national security and protect our very way of life.

Madam Speaker – I yield back the balance of my time.

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