Senate passes resolution condemning ISIS killing of journalists

The Senate passed a resolution Tuesday condemning the killing of two American journalists by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) sponsored S.Res. 538, which honored the lives of journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, who were beheaded by a radical Islamic group.

{mosads}“ISIS brutally murdered these two American journalists, James Foley and Steven Sotloff,” Shaheen said on Monday after introducing the resolution. “Let us be clear, we must hold ISIS accountable for their despicable acts. We must vigorously pursue those responsible and bring them to justice.”

In addition to condemning ISIS, the resolution also calls for the immediate release of all hostages held by the terrorist organization. The resolution was passed through a unanimous consent agreement.

“We must not let the deaths of these two Americans go unanswered,” Shaheen said. “The terrorists who murdered James Foley are deeply mistaken if they think their barbaric acts will lessen America’s resolve and pave the way for ISIS to continue terrorizing.”

President Obama is expected to give a speech on Wednesday night detailing his plans to combat ISIS.

The Senate also passed two land-use bills that will affect property in Wyoming and New Mexico — S. 1934, the Clifford P. Hansen Federal Courthouse Conveyance Act and S. 898, the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Federal Land Conveyance Act.