Weekley Column: The World's Worst Weapons

Statement

The situation in Syria continues to be a tragedy. Almost two hundred thousand people have died, and the conflict appears likely to worsen -- with the rise of extremist groups like ISIL -- before it improves.

What's more, after more than three and half years of watching this slaughter, the Administration's policy towards the crisis remains a mystery, clouded by a legacy of saying one thing and doing another. Congress shares some of the blame for this; we have not done our part to fully debate this issue.

Over two months ago, the Senate voted to cut off debate on a funding bill that included $500 million dollars for a program to train and equip Syrian rebels. I argued then that the president's full plan deserved a thorough airing with the American people. That did not happen. I hope that such a debate is possible next year.

In the midst of this catastrophe, there is some small progress worth sharing.

Last week I took part in a quiet ceremony at the Pentagon recognizing the Department of Defense's (DoD) role in the international mission to destroy Syria's chemical weapons operation. I am grateful for their commitment to this important mission.

As the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, I take very seriously our responsibility to oversee DoD's efforts to stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

That's why I partnered with Sens. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), the subcommittee's chair, and committee chair Carl Levin (D-Mich.) to ensure these chemical weapons would never be used on anyone else. Late last year, we offered legislation allowing DoD funds to be reassigned to the important mission of destroying Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles along with its research and production facilities. This legislation was included in the 2014 DoD funding bill, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama on December 26, 2013.

With the help of our bipartisan legislation, the United States and our global partners have successfully disposed of Syria's declared chemical weapons stockpile--all told, about 1,300 metric tons of chemical weapons material. Work is currently underway to dismantle Syria's 23 chemical weapons production facilities. This project is expected to continue through 2015.

In May of this year, I had the great pleasure of visiting some of the men and women performing the vital mission of neutralizing these deadly weapons. They worked aboard MV Cape Ray, a U.S. ship specially equipped to safely neutralize these chemical weapons material. On board, a team of both military and civilian personnel carried 600 metric tons of sarin, VX and mustard gas--the most dangerous materials in Syria's chemical arsenal--out to sea, and safely neutralized it. I am so grateful for their service to rid the world of these dangerous weapons.

As I thanked those who performed this work, I reflected on the sad fact that, even with the removal and destruction of these deadly weapons, we cannot say that the world -- much less, Syria -- has become a safer place in the last year. The human costs of this conflict and the suffering is immeasurable.

President Obama has now signaled his support for a broader Congressional debate on his strategy in Syria; I believe that's a debate Nebraskans deserve.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

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