I do not support the deployment of U.S. ground troops, and I call on the president and top military strategists to consult with Congress if they believe military escalation becomes necessary. As a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I understand that the toll of war and other conflicts lasts long after our soldiers leave the battlefield. Any strategy we pursue or decisions we make must factor in the additional human cost we are asking of our citizens, who are already weary after years in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The president has requested that Congress authorize funding to arm and train moderate Syrian rebels. The president believes these resources are necessary to help the rebels battle ISIL and the Syrian government. In the days ahead, we will debate the merits and the scope of this request in Congress. And I urge the public to participate by contacting their members of Congress to express their opinions.

Anti-terrorism efforts are complex, and each situation requires a fresh evaluation based on information from our intelligence and military assets before authorizing any military action. We have all witnessed the terrible atrocities ISIL committed against Americans and other innocent people of different nationalities, religions and ethnic groups. It is clear that we must act.