Defense
A group of House Democrats have launched a task force to address President Donald Trump's policies that they say "compromise our national security."Chaired by Reps. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, Stephanie Murphy of Florida, and Jimmy Panetta of California, the Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force aims to address the "most pressing security challenges," and "hold the Trump administration accountable," according to a statement.
"The Trump administration has taken - or pledged to take - certain foreign policy actions that are likely to compromise our national security, weaken our alliances, and undermine our values," read a statement from the three representatives. "Our constituents seek a steady hand at the helm of our ship of state."
"Democrats need a strong, smart, and strategic approach to national security," said Moulton. "This task force will hold the administration accountable in a thoughtful and impactful way, while working to find the best solutions to the national security issues facing our country."
The formation of the task force comes months after a US cruise missile strike at a Syrian airfield - a response to corroborated reports of a deadly chemical attack on Syria's civilian population. Although Congress broadly supported Trump's decision after the fact, he has been criticized for the lack of a thorough follow-up plan, which may have resounding effects, due to ongoing volatility in the region.
The lack of a concrete plan is further evidenced by the US being continually roped into the Syrian conflict through a proxy war - the most recent incursion involving a US F-15E fighter jet shooting down a "pro-Syria regime" drone after it had attacked US-backed forces in southern Syria.
"The United States faces a wide range of threats, whether from terrorist groups like ISIS or nations like North Korea," said Murphy. "It has never been more important to develop and implement national security policies that are smart, strategic, and strong."