Members of the Florida congressional delegation weighed in on Tuesday after the terrorist attacks in Brussels on Tuesday.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who sits on the U.S. Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, called on Europe and the United States to stand against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorism.
“This is the latest evidence that the civilized world is under siege from a determined enemy who exploits any openness in our societies to inflict the most harm possible on innocent civilians,” Rubio said. “My condolences to the families of those lost today and my prayers go out to all those who have been injured. The United States and Europe must be united in striking ISIS wherever they seek safe haven to dismantle this terrorist threat once and for all.”
On the other side of the aisle, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., called the attacks a grim reminder to “remain vigilant” against terrorism.
“Now is the time for steady resolve as we continue to press against the scourge of terrorism,” Nelson said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims of today's horrific attacks and their families. The bombings in Brussels are a reminder that we must remain vigilant and ‘if you see something, say something’.”
Over in the U.S. House, members of the Florida delegation urged more action against ISIS.
U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla., said it was time to “end” ISIS.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those killed and injured today in Brussels,” Rooney said. “ISIS claimed responsibility for these attacks. It's the latest in a systematic threat which ISIS leadership has been calling for for years, and it will not end here. Europe is the current battleground and will see more attacks like this and Paris. It will only be a matter of time before attacks like this are mounted on a much larger scale in the United States than what we saw in San Bernardino. ISIS has told us that is their goal. They have kept all of their promises so far, so I don't know why we would ignore them now. We can either sit back and wait to be attacked or we can work with our allies to put an end to ISIS. That is our choice. So far we haven't been up to the task, as evidence by Brussels this morning.”
U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla., said the attacks showed how the U.S. and its allies needed to continue the fight against terror.
“Today’s barbaric and unjustifiable attacks underscore the need for America and the world to stand united against terrorism,” Jolly said. “ We also stand united in supporting the people of Belgium and send our deepest condolences to the victims impacted by these attacks.It is times like this that we remain resolved in our fight to protect and preserve the freedoms and liberties that are the foundation of the free world. Let us also be clear, the actions of ISIS or any other terror organization wishing to do harm to innocent people will not dim the light of democracy.
“These attacks are a solemn reminder that we face a real security threat and we must resolve to confront it before it again reaches our homeland,” Jolly added.
U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla., who sits on the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, also called for more vigilance.
"The American people stand in solidarity with Belgium today in condemning the terrorist attacks that struck Brussels this morning,” Murphy said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of these bombings. Our international community must remain united and vigilant in combating extremism and terrorism wherever it occurs."
In Tallahassee on Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott ordered flags across Florida to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Monday.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @ KevinDerbySSN
