Dennis Ross Takes Aim at Obama's Handling of ISIS

U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla., part of the congressional leadership as senior deputy majority whip, tore into President Barack Obama on Tuesday, insisting the White House had not released a plan to defeat Islamic State (ISIS) terrorism despite Congress passing the National Defense Authorization Act which required just that. 

"February 15, 2016, was the deadline, established by law, for President Obama to present to Congress and the American people his plan to protect our nation from terrorism and defeat ISIS,” Ross said. “Sadly, the president failed to meet this deadline, once again failing to uphold his constitutional duty to defend the U.S. and listen to the demands of those he represents.

“It is time to face the facts,” Ross added. “ISIS has not been contained, contrary to the president's statements and misguided beliefs. In fact, Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Vincent Stewart recently testified that ISIS 'will probably attempt to conduct additional attacks in Europe, and attempt to direct attacks on the U.S. homeland in 2016.' Confronting this imminent threat is of the utmost importance to the safety and security of the U.S. and our allies.

"Congress has made considerable efforts and passed multiple pieces of bipartisan legislation to help defeat ISIS, including providing our military with the resources and funding needed to devise and execute tactical strategies and enhance our cybersecurity infrastructure,” Ross concluded. “However, this fight cannot be lopsided and placed solely on the shoulders of Congress. I demand President Obama to immediately act and implement a comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIS."