Secretary of State John F. Kerry said Sunday that Obama administration officials are doing “everything in our power” to fight terrorism, and he blamed Congress for failing to support more troops on the ground.
“[W]e are doing everything in our power to put additional pressure on them [the Islamic State], and I believe their days are numbered,” said Mr. Kerry on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
Asked by CNN anchor Jake Tapper if administration officials are really “doing everything you can,” Mr. Kerry pointed the finger at Congress, which is controlled by Republicans.
“A lot of people have talked about American troops going in, etc.,” Mr. Kerry said. “Congress displayed absolutely zero willingness to vote to do that, and if people have a willingness to show that now that has changed, the administration will listen to any legitimate plan, any legitimate way to do more.”
He defended the Obama administration’s efforts to combat the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, saying that “the pressure is mounting on a steady basis,” adding that the president welcomes the input of others, including Congress.
“We welcome additional thoughts from members of Congress, from anybody in the intelligence community, in the defense community. … President Obama is open to any legitimate ways of moving faster that meets the test of our security needs and of what the Congress is willing to support,” Mr. Kerry said.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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