President Obama ISIS Speech: Washington Reacts On Twitter

As President Obama outlined his strategy to confront the Islamic State, or ISIS, raising the prospect of another U.S. military engagement in the Middle East, the Washington establishment reacted with equal parts support and condemnation.

While there was bipartisan support for a U.S. intervention against ISIS, many in the GOP condemned what they saw as "politically motivated" troop withdrawls from Iraq and Afghanistan, which they argued were a foreign policy blunder, that had precipitated the current crisis.

In addition, while some lawmakers expressed support for airstrikes that would support moderate Syrian opposition forces, many strenuously objected to any possibility of U.S. combat troops being re-deployed to the region.

Democrat Representatives:

Congress should put politics aside & provide resources to train global partners to degrade, disrupt, destroy ISIL.
- Steve Israel (@RepSteveIsrael) September 11, 2014

I support the president’s ISIL strategy. He is right to use his authority to go on the offense.
- Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) September 11, 2014

I support President Obama’s decision to expand the current airstrike campaign into Syria… (1/4)
- Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) September 11, 2014

…and to work with an international coalition to degrade ISIL and reduce the threat they pose to that region and our interests. (2/4)
- Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) September 11, 2014

I also support the President’s request that Congress provide resources to arm and train moderate Syrian forces. (3/4)
- Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) September 11, 2014

However, I remain strongly opposed to the use of any U.S. combat troops on the ground in Syria and Iraq. (4/4)
- Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) September 11, 2014

American leadership essential to stop ISIL terror. Pres. Obama has my support for US air strikes with Arab allies fighting on the ground.
- Betty McCollum (@BettyMcCollum04) September 11, 2014

A solid case for action but Qs remain. Prez must come to Congress/give American ppl debate they deserve on a costly complex mission. #ISIL
- Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) September 11, 2014

Republican Representatives:

Support POTUS's overdue pledge to destroy ISIS in Iraq & Syria. Unfortunate he still tells ISIS what he won't do
- Rep. Pete King (@RepPeteKing) September 11, 2014

Disappointing POTUS still intends to withdraw all US troops in Afghanistan - same failed policy which caused ISIS resurgence in Iraq
- Rep. Pete King (@RepPeteKing) September 11, 2014

We want and need the President to be successful. That is in the best interest of the USA.
- Jason Chaffetz (@jasoninthehouse) September 11, 2014

But the President highlights Syria, Yemen and Ukraine as successes?!?! BTW, no mention of our best friend in the region Israel.....
- Jason Chaffetz (@jasoninthehouse) September 11, 2014

And Libya, where he bombed for months is absolutely falling apart. It is a total failure.
- Jason Chaffetz (@jasoninthehouse) September 11, 2014

#ISIS would not exist as it does if POTUS had listened to military commanders who warned against politically-motivated withdrawal from Iraq
- John Shimkus (@RepShimkus) September 11, 2014

I support expanding airstrikes in both Iraq & Syria to take out #ISIS leadership & provide support for Iraqi & Kurdish forces on the ground.
- John Shimkus (@RepShimkus) September 11, 2014

As we sit here on the eve of the 13th Anniversary of 9/11,POTUS address couldn’t have come at a more appropriate moment.
- Rep. Lee Terry (@LEETERRYNE) September 11, 2014

Tomorrow’s remembrance of 9/11 should serve as a reminder the United States must lead w/ steel & resolve to fight radical terrorists.
- Rep. Lee Terry (@LEETERRYNE) September 11, 2014

Targeted airstrikes against #ISIL in #Syria alone will not solve the problem. What about al-Nusra other terrorist organizations???
— Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (@RosLehtinen) September 11, 2014

We face a real threat, and our nation needs to show leadership. #ISIS #ISIL
— Darrell Issa (@DarrellIssa) September 11, 2014

If President Obama is finally ready to drop the wobbly rhetoric and lead a coalition, I am prepared to offer the support he needs. #ISIS
— Darrell Issa (@DarrellIssa) September 11, 2014