Whereas, on September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda committed acts of treacherous violence against the United States and the citizens of the United States; Whereas such acts render it both necessary and appropriate that the United States exercise its rights to self-defense and to protect the citizens of the United States both at home and abroad; Whereas al-Qaeda and its affiliates continue to represent a threat to the people of the United States and the national security of the United States; Whereas the Taliban continues to conduct attacks against people of the United States and allies of the United States, including the Government of Afghanistan; Whereas the terrorist organization referred to as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the Islamic State , or Daesh , has systematically targeted, kidnapped, and killed innocent men, women, and children throughout Iraq and Syria; Whereas the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria poses a grave threat to the people of Iraq and Syria, the stability of the Middle East, and the national security interests of the United States and allies and partners of the United States; Whereas the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has conducted, supported, and inspired terrorist attacks that have resulted in the murder of people of the United States and allies of the United States; Whereas the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has committed genocide, despicable acts of violence, and mass executions against religious and ethnic minorities who do not subscribe to the depraved, violent, and oppressive ideology of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria; and Whereas the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has targeted women and girls with horrific acts of violence, including abduction, enslavement, torture, rape, and forced marriage: Now, therefore, be it