WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement on President Obama’s announcement Thursday evening about efforts to protect Americans and assist religious minorities in Iraq:

“The deteriorating situation in Iraq demands our attention to avert a humanitarian disaster while safeguarding U.S. interests with targeted air strikes. We offer our support and gratitude to the men and women in uniform executing this mission. Ultimately, the future of Iraq must be decided by the Iraqi people, which is why ISIL's terrorist occupation and despicable actions cannot be tolerated.”

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