Sen. Johnny Isakson urges stronger action against ISIS

WASHINGTON – Georgia’s senior U.S. senator delivered the Weekly Republican Address on the eve of the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, recalling the “brave and heroic acts” of first responders, medical professionals and everyday Americans.

U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Marietta, also said it was past time for the United States to lead a coalition to defeat the Islamic State rather than continuing to pursue what he said was the Obama administration’s policy of trying to contain the terrorist group.

“Fifteen years ago, on September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the heart and soul of America,” said Isakson, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “We all remember where we were when the hard news came through, and how we felt as we watched the tragedy unfold that day.

“On this anniversary of the horrific attacks of September 11, we as Americans pause to pray for the victims and the survivors of that terrible day. We remember the brave and heroic acts of our citizens, our first responders and our medical professionals on that day. And we thank the men and women in uniform and in the intelligence community who made us safe, and made tremendous sacrifices to keep us safe, and some cases, paid the ultimate sacrifice themselves.”

The senator said he hoped Americans would “never forget the patriotism that ensued in the days and months following September 11, 2001, when Americans united together to pull our country though one of the most horrific events in our history. Let us carry on this patriotism as we work together to solve the current challenges that face the country.”

Calling terrorism “the ultimate enemy of freedom, liberty, and democracy,” Isakson said is “something we must stand up to and never cower to. It is important now more than ever that we continue our efforts against terrorism to protect our homeland and work with our allies to fight for freedom around the world.”

As the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, continues to train and plan in Syria and Iraq, Isakson said Europe and the United States are threatened and that it was “clear we are not doing enough to eliminate these radical Islamic terrorists.”

“Unfortunately, ” Isakson said, “President Obama continues to cling to a plan that contains rather than defeats ISIL. The Assad regime and Russia have worked against the moderate opposition. The president’s strategy of containment is clearly insufficient and is failing to end the threats and horrific actions of terrorist groups.

“It is past time that the United States lead a coalition of our allies to defeat radical Islamic terrorists. Our military is more than capable of ending any notion that ISIL has of establishing a caliphate in the Middle East, but the Obama administration is just not willing to do what it takes.”

He said the U.S. must deal with the threat “directly and aggressively combat the Islamic State.”

“We must kill them before they kill us,” Isakson said. “Now is the time for swift, decisive action to send a bold message to all terrorist groups that we will not equivocate when it comes to protecting our homeland and defending our allies.”

As in the period after 9/11, Isakson said, “we must continue to stand united as a nation against terror, rise above the politics, and commit to the destruction of our enemies so that our children truly can grow up and live in a safer world.”