WASHINGTON— Responding to indications that the President will shortly transmit a request for additional funding to combat ISIL terrorists in Iraq and Syria, Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement:
"I have long been concerned that the President has underfunded our combat operations against terrorists - not only against ISIL, but against the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan and their affiliates in Asia and Africa. So his acknowledgment that funds for the Department of Defense are necessary to support Operation Inherent Resolve is welcome and I will give any new funding request fair consideration. However, I remain concerned that the President’s strategy to defeat ISIL is insufficient. I would urge the President to reconsider his strategy and clearly explain how this additional funding supports a new direction. Such clarity is more likely to find swift Congressional approval."
In May, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2015 (NDAA) which included $79.4 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations. This funding level matches levels envisioned by the House Budget. In late June, the White House finally requested $58.6 billion for OCO. The FY 15 NDAA is still pending in the Senate.