Heinrich Statement On Iraq

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement today after President Obama ordered humanitarian airdrops and airstrikes in Iraq:

"I will look closely at President Obama's decision to launch targeted airstrikes in Iraq, but I share New Mexicans' weariness about any expansion of U.S. involvement in Iraq and strongly oppose putting boots on the ground.  I have serious concerns for mission creep, which is why it's important that the President clearly articulate to Congress what our goal is.

"I recognize that the threat from ISIS is real and extends to U.S. interests both in the Middle East and at home. There currently does not exist a more extreme terrorist group than ISIS -- and they are well funded, well armed, and have no intention of stopping until their goals are realized. I support the President sending humanitarian aid to the thousands of stranded, displaced Iraqi civilians who face death by either starvation or slaughter at the hands of ISIS.

"Now more than ever, it is imperative for Iraq to form a government that is representative of all its people and to take responsibility for its own security."