Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) today released the following statement after President Obama’s press conference with French President Francois Hollande:

“I’m glad to see President Obama standing shoulder to shoulder with President Hollande, but what we need from the White House right now is a real plan and commitment to defeat these brutal terrorists.  France is one of our closest partners in fighting terror – and it’s counting on America’s leadership.

“So instead of doubling down on the same failed policies that allowed for ISIS’s rise, the Obama administration ought to be laying out the broad, overarching strategy needed to win.  This should include establishing safe zones in Syria, arming fighting forces – including the Kurds – already on the ground, and giving our pilots the authority and flexibility they need to carry out their missions.

“Two weeks ago it was France.  Next week, it could be us.  The White House needs to get serious about eliminating this terrorist threat.”

###