Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today introduced an amendment to the Defense Appropriations bill to prevent U.S. weapon deliveries to rebels in Syria, in view of the serious risk of having them fall into the wrong hands. The amendment failed by a close voice vote.

 

“I oppose sending U.S. arms to Syria,” Fortenberry said. “The rebel movement is a battleground of shifting alliances and bloody conflicts between groups that include multinational terrorist organizations. Some of the most violent and successful rebel militias are linked to al-Qaeda. Sending our weapons into Syria’s chaotic warzone could help these extremists – jihadists who would be only too eager to seize American weaponry. I have responsibility for how our government spends the money of the citizens it serves. Accordingly, I introduced an amendment that will prevent armament deliveries to Syria. The potential benefits do not outweigh the severe risks.”

 

“The Syrian people are suffering,” Fortenberry continued. “We should continue our humanitarian aid and diplomatic assistance. Syrians do not deserve to live under Assad’s tyranny. But arming the rebels could make a bad situation worse, further destabilizing the region and causing greater humanitarian catastrophe.”

 

Click here to watch a video of Fortenberry introducing his amendment at today’s Appropriations Committee markup. 

 

Last year Fortenberry supported successful legislative efforts to prohibit U.S. military involvement in Syria. 

 

Fortenberry is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

 

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