A year after he dismissed ISIS (also called ISIL or Islamic State) as the jayvee team, I welcome President Obama’s recognition of the threats we face. This AUMF should be accompanied by a strategy and the means to achieve the objective of destroying the Islamic State. Congress, the American people, and especially our service members deserve a thoughtful plan to support authorization.

We know too well that leading from behind does not work; America must take an assertive role with our allies in routing ISIS across the map.

In the days and weeks ahead, Congress will lead a robust and public debate over this newly proposed authorization. I welcome that. It is our constitutional responsibility. A carefully crafted authorization can both give our military the flexibility and tools it needs to successfully combat this enemy and garner the support of the American people.

Combating National Security Threats

I now serve on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, which is charged with the oversight of the U.S. intelligence community. 

With recent ISIS-inspired attacks and high-profile cybercrimes, it is clear the new century of threats we face know no national borders. Our national security depends on critical threat assessments to disrupt and stop those seeking us harm, and the public demands thorough oversight of intelligence programs. This committee’s work plays an integral role in keeping our nation and our people safe.

RPC: Real Ideas, Real Solutions. I’m also honored to be elected by my colleagues to serve as a representative on the House Republican Policy Committee (RPC). Our mission is to develop and advance conservative policy solutions in the House of Representatives in order to improve the lives of all Americans. The committee serves as a working group that studies and advises on a broad array of policy concerns.