Swalwell Votes Against DoD Blank Check and Arming Syrian Rebels in Middle East

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15) today released the following statement after voting no on the FY 15 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

"ISIL is still a serious threat to our allies in the Middle East, and potentially our homeland. We must defeat ISIL with a strong coalition of partners. However, rather than give the Administration wide discretion to determine the framework of this military effort, Congress should have the opportunity to debate an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). Until that happens, I cannot support a defense authorization bill that does not set parameters on our involvement in the Middle East. I urge House leadership to allow consideration of a new AUMF.

"Furthermore, I do not agree that we should be arming so-called "moderate" Syrian rebels in the operation. I voted against this option again today because this NDAA essentially gives the Administration a blank check to do this for two more years."