Politicans react to President Obama’s address

President Obama has announced the American strategy to “degrade and ultimately destroy” the ISIS. His plan would lead multiple nations in a coalition to confront the terror group that executed American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff in Syria.

Mark Udall, who serves on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee and the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after the president’s remarks on confronting the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant:

“The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant is a brutal and sophisticated extremist organization and a clear threat to American citizens, interests, and our allies that has to be stopped. Targeted airstrikes against ISIL and close cooperation with our Arab and European allies will play a critical role in eliminating this terrorist threat.

“As a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, I believe any expanded U.S. military role beyond airstrikes in the fight against ISIL in Iraq must be approved by Congress. The American people must be assured that we are not pursuing another open-ended conflict in the Middle East, and I will not give this president — or any other president — a blank check to begin another land war in Iraq. As we have seen in the past, American boots on the ground cannot stamp out an extreme ideology and the Iraqis must take responsibility for defending their own people.

“I will continue to demand that the administration provide a very clear picture of its goals and objectives. ISIL is a threat that cannot be tolerated, and it will take a strong and cohesive international effort to defeat them.”

U.S. Senate candidate Cory Gardner made the following statement Wednesday night after President Obama addressed the nation:

“The Islamic State is a radical terrorist organization that presents an imminent threat to our nation. The President’s mishandling of our nation’s foreign policy and his failure to formulate a clear strategic vision to confront these threats has led us to the tragic series of events unfolding across the Middle East and the world.

“While President Obama has voiced his support for destroying this radical terrorist organization, he must follow through with tangible, tactical action that meets this shared goal. I support airstrikes against the terrorists threatening America and I am committed to working with those who are serious about protecting our national interests and destroying the Islamic State.”