Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) are joining to introduce bipartisan legislation that would provide temporary, emergency authorization of defense services and training to the Kurdistan Regional Government.
“ISIS is deadly and determined, and Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces – our critical partner in the fight against ISIS – need U.S. weapons as quickly as possible,” Ernst says.
This legislation would permit America to give assistance to the Kurds, who has been a partner to the U.S. in combating ISIS.
“The Iraqi Kurds have been a steadfast and capable partner of the United States, and this bill will help ensure they have the support they need in the fight against ISIL,” Boxer says.
The legislation would give President Obama authority to send weapons and provide necessary training to the Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces. The legislation also would provide this assistance for a three-year period, seeking to limit any delays in arming forces fighting against ISIS.
Republican presidential candidates Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) cosponsored the legislation.
“Defeating ISIS requires active participation from our allies in the region. I support sending arms to the Kurdish fighters who are providing the vital boots on the ground,” Paul says. “This Administration claims they need the legal authority to arm the Kurds. This bill removes any doubt that they have the authority and the renewed encouragement of Congress to provide our Kurdish allies the support they need to continue their fight against ISIS and radical Islam.”
“The Kurds are some of our closest partners in the Middle East,” Rubio adds. “The Peshmerga are on the front lines of the battle against ISIL and we need to do all we can to ensure they succeed.”
Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Ron Johnson (R-WI) are also cosponsors of the bill.
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