Kaine Statement On Murder Of Steven Sotloff

TANGIER, MOROCCO – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern, South and Central Asian Affairs, released the following statement today. Kaine is leading a Congressional delegation this week to Tunisia, Morocco and Spain:

“My prayers go out to the family and friends of Steven Sotloff. His murder was a barbaric act by members of ISIL who yet again proved that what the terrorist group represents has no place in humanity.  This tragedy reinforces what I have long said – that this Administration should come to Congress with clear objectives and scope of mission to combat the ISIL threat, and Congress should immediately debate an authorization to use military force.

“I just finished conversations in Tunisia and Morocco -- two longtime partners in our fight against terrorism -- about the ISIL threat and the possibility of foreign fighters returning home. Over the next few days I will be speaking with servicemembers at U.S. Naval Station Rota, Spain, and our Spanish counterparts, about addressing the ISIL threat. Now is the time for Congress to hear the Administration's rationale for military action against ISIL, and vote up or down on an authorization.”

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