Dear Friend, 

This week, some of the many things I focused on were keeping Americans safe from terror attacks and holding the Obama Administration accountable in light of recent Iranian aggression.  

We Need a Real Strategy in Syria

The long-suffering Syrian people would certainly be surprised to learn that we are ‘not seeking regime change in Syria’, as Secretary Kerry stated. The United States has invested billions of dollars to stop Assad’s reign of terror and to provide humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people. Secretary Kerry is sending a signal that, despite Assad gassing and barrel-bombing his own people, the Obama Administration is giving up seeing him removed from power.  

This means that the root cause of Syria’s suffering will remain, it means that Putin will win, and it means that the tragedy of the Syrian people will continue -- with more of those barrel bombs, more chemical weapon attacks, and millions more refugees.

A clear message is being sent to the dictators of the world: If you kill enough of your own people, if you cling to power with enough force, and if you make friends with the Russians and Iranians, the United States will eventually fold. It’s similar to the message sent by the Administration’s refusal to hold Iran accountable for illegal ballistic missile tests. Neither is befitting a superpower that won World War II and then the Cold War.

This is a tragic mistake borne out of the Administration’s weakness and penchant for deal-making with tyrants. I urge the Administration to retract this statement and reiterate, loudly and clearly, that Assad must go, and that the United States will do what it takes to see that happen.

The Obama Administration's Permissive Attitude Towards Iran

Earlier this week, I asked officials from the Obama Administration for their plan to respond to Iranian ballistic missile tests and their plan to inspect a massive transfer of nuclear material from Iran to Russia.

Unfortunately, those officials said they don't have those plans. There has been no accountability for Iran's illegal behavior, and we have no plan in place to inspect the 25,000 pounds of nuclear material being moved from Iran to Russia. Watch our full exchange here.

Keeping America Safe

Yesterday, on his visit to the National Counterterrorism Center, we heard more rhetoric from President Obama about his record on national security.

The same President who called ISIS a "jayvee team", who declared that ISIS was "contained", and whose Administration just months ago was bragging about their "strategic patience" in Syria is now seeking to reassure the American people that he has the situation under control. Coloradans and Americans are not buying it.

Last week, I joined with a group of Senators to urge the President to more aggressively pursue the fight against ISIS. Why these plans are not already in place and being executed is a mystery.

I’m glad the President visited the Pentagon last week and the National Counterterrorism Center this week. But we need more than lofty rhetoric, we need concrete action. The world is waiting.

Honoring Colorado Law Enforcement

This week, I took to the Senate floor to honor the men and women in law enforcement across Colorado and the United States. This year, 123 law enforcement officers across the United States have paid the ultimate sacrifice. In Colorado, we honor our four fallen officers:

Sergeant Sean Renfro with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, whose care and concern for others did not end when he was off duty; Trooper Taylor Thyfault with the Colorado State Patrol, an army veteran, and a cadet training to become a trooper, and due to his bravery was honored as a trooper before he was laid to rest; Jaimie Jursevics with the Colorado State Patrol, a new mom and the victim of another’s careless actions; and Officer Garrett Swasey with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Police Department, our most recent loss as he responded to the senseless attack in Colorado Springs.

Each of their legacies reflect an extraordinary Coloradan spirit, each a cherished member of their community, leaving behind loved ones as they worked to uphold the law and care for those around them.

These heroes risked their lives and showed the highest courage, and as we prepare our hearts and homes for the holiday season, I want to express my sincere gratitude for their service and protection.

Watch my full remarks here.

Thank you for taking the time to read my weekly update. If I can be of any assistance to you, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-5941.

Sincerely,

Cory Gardner

United States Senator

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