Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand says it's critically important that the United States strongly confront the insurgent Islamic State organization. The New York Democrat concedes that won't be easy.
Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, tells MSNBC many Americans are tired of protracted overseas conflicts. But she says people also are concerned about the intentions of the Islamist militant movement in Iraq and Syria.
Gillibrand notes in the interview Tuesday that New York City is a prime target for terrorists and calls Islamic State a fast-moving organization.
Asked about the attitudes of lawmakers returning from summer recess, Gillibrand replies that she believes there may have to be a congressional authorization if the Obama administration is going to be involved in a prolonged engagement against the militants.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
