Senate

Reid: Senate stands with France after attacks

by Jordain Carney - 11/16/15 3:31 PM ET

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) pledged on Monday that lawmakers “stand with France” in the wake of a series of attacks late last week, adding that Congress is committed to stopping the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

“The world faces yet another horrific terrorist attack, this time against America’s oldest ally, France,” the Democratic leader said from the Senate floor. “Just as France stood with us after the 9/11 attacks, we stand with France today. … I know I speak for the Senate in saying that we’re all committed to stopping ISIS.”

{mosads}The terrorist organization claimed responsibility for Friday’s attacks, which left more than 120 dead.

The Nevada Democrat added that “there are no words to describe the barbarism of ISIS. This organization carried out this attack, mowed down innocent civilians.”

“Law-abiding Muslims, many of whom have also been the innocent victims of terror, must not allow these radicals to be the face of their religion. We can’t allow it. They can’t allow it,” he said.

Reid’s comments come as his Republican colleagues have used the attack to double down on their push for President Obama to take a firmer stance against the terrorist group. They are also calling for the administration to rethink its plan to accept additional refugees, including those from Syria, over national security concerns.

As part of the increased skepticism from lawmakers, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) is pushing his colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to restrict funding to help relocate refugees until Congress approves a plan from Obama.

The Nevada Democrat didn’t comment on the administration’s refugee plan during his remarks.

Tags Harry Reid Jeff Sessions