September 17, 2014

Lujan Statement on Amendment Authorizing Training and Equipping of Rebel Groups in Syria

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District released the following statement today after voting against an amendment to a Continuing Resolution that authorized the training and equipping of rebel groups in Syria.  Luján voted for the Continuing Resolution that is needed to prevent the government from shutting down at the end of September.

“ISIL poses a threat to the Middle East and has the potential to threaten our homeland if it is not addressed.  I support efforts to use targeted airstrikes and intelligence to help degrade ISIL’s ability to gain the money and weapons that enhance their destructive capabilities.  However, I have serious concerns with the current plan to equip and train Syrian rebels.  Countries in the Middle East must take a leading role against this threat in their own region.  Our allies in the region must prove that they are willing to stand up and commit the resources necessary to complement the United States.  A major focus must be ending the flow of money and the recruitment of fighters that are supporting ISIL.  Until our allies fully commit to this effort, I have concerns that remain with the current plan.  To date it is not clear our allies have fully committed to this plan and ending the flow of money to ISIL.

“While the amendment calls for the vetting and reporting on every person recruited for training, it does not prevent individuals with ties to extremist or terrorist groups from participating.  I am also concerned that the conflict in the region has the potential to escalate and further entangle our country in a civil war in Syria.  While the purpose of training Syrians is to combat ISIL, and not the Assad regime, if Assad’s forces target the rebels, we will be faced with the prospect of engaging the regime and escalating this conflict.  In addition, the Syrians may end up turning their focus to overthrowing the Assad regime instead of concentrating on ISIL.

“While I opposed the amendment, I voted on the underlying bill – the Continuing Resolution – that prevents another government shutdown.  The process should have included separate votes and debate on the training of Syrian rebels and the Continuing Resolution.”

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