WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House acted to condemn the mass atrocities of ISIS and Bashar al-Assad against Middle Eastern minorities and the Syrian people.

“The United States is a symbol of hope and freedom for many around the world, and American leaders must clearly identify and condemn crimes against humanity wherever and whenever they happen. Sadly, the Obama administration has failed to do just that as ISIS and Bashar al-Assad continue to commit unspeakable mass atrocities against some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities in the Middle East face ISIS persecution and slaughter every single day. Meanwhile, Bashar al-Assad’s industrial-scale killing machine continues the systematic torture and execution his political opposition in regime prisons, mass starvation campaigns, barrel bombings, and chemical weapons attacks. He has killed hundreds of thousands of civilians and displaced more than 11 million – half of Syria’s population.

“These barbaric acts have no place in modern civilization and American humanity is jeopardized when its leaders stay silent. It’s time we stop turning our backs on our brothers and sisters around the world, who are pleading for the United States and its allies to show leadership. Today, the People’s House spoke loudly and clearly for them, and now we call on the President to work with allies to, once and for all, put an end to these horrendous acts.”

Note: This week, the Obama administration is likely to miss a congressionally-mandated March 17 deadline that requires a final decision on whether ISIS is perpetrating genocide. Additionally, the administration has a duty to determine whether or not the Assad regime is guilty of war crimes.