Tim Kaine statement on meeting with Iraqi prime minister

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement Wednesday.

“I was pleased to meet with Prime Minister Abadi today to discuss progress in the fight against ISIL as well as efforts to develop an inclusive government that protects the rights of all Iraqi people.

“Yesterday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee reached bipartisan consensus on legislation that sets up a process for appropriate Congressional review of any final nuclear deal with Iran. Following Senate floor action on this measure, we must turn our attention back to a matter where Congressional action is equally necessary – determining the scope of the U.S. military mission against ISIL. Recent comments from leaders in the House of Representatives suggest a willingness to give up on debating and passing a new Authorization for Use of Military Force Against ISIL. After more than eight months of U.S. engagement in the war against ISIL, this is unacceptable. I’m hopeful the spirit of bipartisanship and compromise that helped us achieve unanimous committee support of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act yesterday will endure as we seek ways to move forward on a bipartisan authorization for the U.S. fight against ISIL.”