By Eric Stock
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) said he had hoped to hear of a stronger, more comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIS.
Davis said the president failed to do that in his address to the nation on Sunday.
“It is clear (ISIS’) reach and influence is growing, but unfortunately, what we heard tonight was much of the same,” Davis said. “Not only do we need a plan to destroy them abroad but we also must take additional steps to protect Americans here at home.”
Davis said the measure the House passed last week to halt Syrian refugees from coming into the U.S. would prevent ISIS from infiltrating the refugee program.
U.S. Sen Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said there may be a tendency to panic after the recent attacks such as the one in San Bernardino, California last week, but he said often times our first reactions are overreactions.
“Make no mistake: that is precisely what terrorists want,” Durbin said. “They commit these atrocities to disrupt our lives, make us look over our shoulders, and to turn neighbor against neighbor in fear. We cannot allow the United States to fall into that trap.”
Durbin said he wants to close what he calls a dangerous loophole what allow those on a no-fly list to buy firearms. Durbin said he backs the president’s call to reauthorize the use of military force to combat ISIS.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
