Hoyer Statement on the Death of White Helmet Rescuers in Syria Following an Air Raid

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today following reports of an air raid in Syria that killed several members of the Syria Civil Defense group:

“I was appalled to learn of the air raid over the weekend in Syria that killed several White Helmet rescuers.  I was honored to meet recently with leaders from the Syria Civil Defense group that has become widely recognized for their efforts to save civilians in the midst of their country’s civil war, hearing from them about the risks their members take to rescue victims of bombing raids, provide medical care, and ensure much-needed supplies can get to hospitals and clinics in the war zone.  This attack highlights just how dangerous their work is, and that the Assad regime and its Russian and Iranian backers continue to engage in war crimes against civilian targets and medical personnel.  I will continue to monitor the situation in Syria closely, and I urge the President to show Congress a strategy for how he intends to defeat ISIS and bring an end to the civil war in Syria that feeds terror and instability far beyond its borders.”