WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after voting in favor of a House bill to fund the government until December 2014 and assist Syrian opposition forces fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS):

“Over the course of the past few weeks, I have attended classified briefings and met with our military leaders regarding the threat that ISIS poses to the interests of the United States and our allies. I am convinced, more than ever, that this barbaric group needs to be destroyed.

“We cannot defeat ISIS unless we go after their command-and-control centers in Syria. I support the Administration’s plan to train, equip, and assist properly vetted Syrian forces in their fight against the terrorist group. This effort should be seen as a first step in building international support and cooperation.

“Like many Americans I am still concerned about the lack of an overall substantive strategy by this Administration. There are many questions that have not been answered. Fortunately, Congress will have another opportunity in December to determine if the Administration’s efforts are achieving results.”

Additional highlights of H.J.Res. 124 include:

• Cuts discretionary spending, which will result in a savings of $571 million;

• Extends the “Internet Tax Freedom Act” until December 11, 2014;

• Provides additional resources to address the Administration’s Veterans Affairs crisis; and

• Contains measures to support Ebola research and assist African nations in combating the disease.

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