Rep. Stewart says ISIL is the epitome of evil

The Independent

Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah), a member of the House Intelligence Committee and a former Air Force B-1 bomber pilot, released the following statement after the White House sent Congress a war powers authorization request to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

“If you believe, as I do, that ISIL is the epitome of evil and a clear threat to U.S. Strategic interest, then we must be willing to do whatever is necessary to destroy it,” Stewart said. “That includes giving our armed forces whatever authorization is necessary to accomplish this mission. In my position on the Intelligence Committee, I am reminded again and again of the President’s hesitation to seriously engage in this cause.”

“I’d like the President to explain his strategy to defeat the growing ISIL threat. So far, he hasn’t done this,” Stewart continued. “I hope the discussion in Congress over his request for authorization will move forward this very important debate.”

The White House’s request comes just a day after ISIL confirmed the tragic death of American hostage Kayla Mueller and just a week after the gruesome death of the Jordanian pilot.

As a former military officer and a member of the House Intelligence Committee, Stewart is a leader in national security policy.