The Senate and House Armed Services Committee are scheduled to hold hearings this week to follow-up on President Barack Obama’s September 10 speech; where the President outlined his strategy to combat the Islamic State (ISIL/ISIS).

Last Wednesday, House Armed Services Committee Chair Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-California) presented his strategy to defeat the ISIL terrorist organization at the American Enterprise Institute. While he expressed support for President Obama’s strategy, the Chairman said a more comprehensive strategy is needed, beyond the “minimalist” one outlined by the President. Chairman McKeon added his belief that U.S. troops will likely be deployed to help combat ISIL.

Hearings this week:

  • Tuesday, September 16: The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “U.S. Policy Towards Iraq and Syria and the Threat Posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).” Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey are scheduled to testify before the panel.
  • Thursday, September 18: The House Armed Services Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “The Administration’s Strategy for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).” Secretary of Defense Hagel is scheduled to testify.