CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The threat from ISIS, a possible use of military force, a bipartisan proposal to combat modern slavery around the world and immigration were key points that U.S. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) discussed Monday.
He was appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press” following his recent trip to Turkey, Kuwait and Iraq. Excerpts follow.
ISIS and force
On the threat posed by ISIS and debate in Congress over an authorization for the use of military force, Corker said that they’re Islamic extremists.
“No question. They are extreme in what they’re doing. They are a threat to our country. It looks as if we have some pieces that are coming together appropriately in Iraq. I think there are still a lot of questions…as to how we deal with ISIS [in] Syria and … they’re a threat now in Libya and other places. So this is something that we, as a nation, are going to be dealing with for a long time.
“I think you know we’re going to be debating an authorization for the use of military force here soon. This is an important issue, important to our homeland security. Important to the world. And I hope as a nation we’ll take it on in a sober and important way over next several weeks.”
Kayla Mueller
On the murder of Kayla Mueller by ISIS and the U.S. government’s policy to not pay ransom to terrorists who have captured Americans, Corker expressed sympathies to the parents for their loss.
“I can’t imagine a greater pain for a parent than knowing that your child is dead and you’re doing everything you can to cause them to be free and be back home and be with your family,” he said.
However, he continued, “At the same time, what you do when you begin to pay ransom, which is how these groups support themselves, is encourage them to take other American citizens. [Not paying ransom] has been a long-standing U.S. policy. It is a policy that I support.”
Modern slavery
On his proposal for ending modern slavery, Corker cited sobering statistics. “There are 27 million people today … around the world, that are enslaved, in rug-making facilities, brick kilns, all kinds of sex trafficking.
“These are crimes of opportunity, average business people [worldwide] are making money by enslaving people.
“This week, we’ll launch a bill … to end slavery by building off public-private partnerships around the world and using best practices. This is something that takes U.S. leadership … and I look forward to this coming out of committee this week.”
Immigration
On a federal judge delaying President Obama’s executive action on immigration and the February 27th deadline for funding of the Department of Homeland Security, Corker said he was gratified by the judge’s ruling.
“The president, 22 times had said he couldn’t do this, and he didn’t have the authority.”
He added that it’s important to fully fund the Homeland Security Department now. “My guess is we’ll figure out a way to make sure that happens this week.”
Written by Sen. Bob Corker, special to the Express. Contact him via his website.
