President Barack Obama delivered a rare address from the Oval Office tonight — talking domestic terrorism, gun control and the ongoing fight against ISIS in the Middle East.
Responding to the recent shooting in San Bernardino, California — which he classified as an act of terrorism — Obama laid out a plan to improve American security against domestic and international terrorism.
Obama explained the need for a United States where “no one on a 'no fly' list is able to buy a gun,” particularly in light of recent shootings.
Though it might be unrealistic to eliminate all types of violence, the president said his goal is to make it more difficult for terrorists to kill, to “use technology to escape from justice.”
One such measure included strengthened screenings of those migrating to the United States without a visa.
The speech then transitioned to more exclusively address the ongoing fight against ISIS — and to an American-led coalition of more than 60 nations who have committed to the efforts.
Obama called on Congress to demonstrate a united front and devotion to the fight against terrorism through a vote to authorize the use of force against ISIS.
His language was firm, saying the country has a strategy to “destroy ISIL” that has been designed and approved of by leading military officials and experts.
Efforts to combat the consequences of terrorism extend beyond the battlefronts, though. Obama emphasized recent proposals for religious tests and other forms of discrimination against Muslims are unacceptable.
