Comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIS needed, Blunt tells president

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) called on President Barack Obama on Monday to put forth a comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIS.

“As we mourn those lost and pray for those injured in the Paris terrorist attacks, we must reaffirm our resolve to do everything we can to keep our country, and our allies, safe,” Blunt said. “Unfortunately, the president’s press conference today confirmed that he is unwilling to acknowledge his failed policies or re-evaluate his strategy moving forward.

“Contrary to the president’s claims, he has not offered a comprehensive plan to destroy ISIS and effectively deal with increasing threats of violence and terrorism on U.S. soil. More than a year after ISIS’ march into Iraq, ISIS has gotten stronger, not weaker. ISIS is not ‘contained,’ as we just witnessed with the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, Lebanon, and across Iraq. As ISIS grows and adapts, doubling down on the same strategies that haven’t worked for a year and a half will only make us less safe.”

Blunt questioned the administration’s plan to bring terrorist detainees to U.S. soil, adding that the president’s main responsibility is to protect Americans.

“That means enforcing the law as it is written, whether it comes to terrorist detainees, or so-called sanctuary cities that provide safe harbor to criminals,” Blunt said.

Blunt also raised concerns about bringing Syrian refugees to the United States.

“Now is not the time to accept Syrian refugees into the United States absent a proper vetting system that would prevent terrorists from entering the United States and carrying out attacks within our borders,” Blunt said. “I stand ready to work with the president on an effective, comprehensive plan to deal with the terrorist threat we face, should he change course and offer a real strategy to keep America and our allies safe.”