Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee received a classified briefing from senior State Department officials on the security situation in Iraq.  Following the briefing, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the Committee, issued the following statement:
 
“During today’s briefing, Members of the Committee expressed grave concern over the threat posed to Iraqis, the region, and the national security interests of the United States, by this al-Qaeda off-shoot.  Having failed to act months ago with drone strikes – as repeatedly requested by the Iraqi government – it is clear that the Obama Administration is struggling to respond to this urgent situation.  Members of the Committee pressed back on the notion that Iran could be a ‘constructive’ partner.  While the Administration continues to ‘review its options’ the threat from this al-Qaeda group grows greater and greater.”

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