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Office of the 11th Congressional District of Virginia
Formerly the Office of Representative Gerry Connolly

The Washington, D.C., office and the district office of former Representative Connolly will continue to serve the people of the 11th Congressional District of Virginia under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Connolly passed away on May 21, 2025. See Press Release

Connolly Statement Following President Obama's Address to the Nation Detailing His Response to ISIL

Congressman Gerry Connolly issued the following statement following President Obama's address to the Nation detailing his strategy to degrade and destroy ISIL. Read more.

Congressman Gerry Connolly issued the following statement following President Obama's address to the Nation detailing his strategy to degrade and destroy ISIL.

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The President has laid out a bold and decisive strategy to lead a multilateral operation designed to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL, and I believe Congress has a constructive and collaborative role to play in this effort.

This is a threat the United States must address. ISIL's program of genocide is undermining the stability of Iraq, threatening our partners in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, and reversing gains made by moderate forces in Syria against a brutal dictator.

In response to the President's consultation with Congress on the deepening crisis in Syria, almost one year ago to the day, I introduced a resolution authorizing the President to carry out airstrikes against the Assad regime. In that instance, Congress demurred.

I believe the President will now find bipartisan support in Congress for airstrikes in Iraq and Syria. This tactic has thus far effectively bolstered our partners on the ground, protected American assets, and facilitated humanitarian missions.

I expect a robust debate regarding the plan to arm opposition forces in Syria. It may prove to be the most challenging task we face, moving forward.  

As the President stated, we must remain vigilant against terrorist threats to America and its allies. On this solemn anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, we have the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to this charge.