Ernst: President Missed Opportunity to Lead in War Against Terror

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released the following statement following President Obama’s Oval Office address to the nation on terrorism:

“Last night, President Obama spoke to reassure himself of his efforts, rather than reassure Americans by putting forward a comprehensive strategy to destroy ISIS and those radicalized by them. His address was a gravely missed opportunity to lead in the war against terror and connect with the American people on the necessary hard choices needed to destroy ISIS.

“Despite growing terrorist attacks and threats, President Obama’s address revealed absolutely no new efforts to defeat and destroy ISIS abroad, nor efforts to protect the homeland.

“President Obama owes it to the American people to be straightforward on what is necessary to defeat a terrorist organization with global reach. The time is now to enact a comprehensive strategy to completely eradicate ISIS, including an honest assessment of what it takes to accomplish that goal. The United States cannot defeat ISIS alone, which is why we need all members of the U.S.-led coalition contributing to a full-spectrum military, diplomatic, and development operation, both in the air and on the ground. We must also enhance our intelligence capabilities at home and abroad to protect each and every American.

“Furthermore, I have called for a new AUMF as an important step toward achieving a serious bipartisan solution to destroy ISIS, giving President Obama every authority to fully engage, defeat and destroy ISIS wherever they are. Congress should take up, debate and vote on an AUMF to fight against ISIS and its associated forces without further delay.”

Senator Ernst is a cosponsor of Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-SC) joint resolution for the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the Islamic State (ISIS) and its associated forces.

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