With Vice President Joe Biden at his side, President Obama promised in a Rose Garden address that he would seek authorization from Congress to strike at Syria.
Obama said inaction against the regime of Bashar al-Assad “risks making a mockery of the global prohibition on the use of chemical weapons.”
“It endangers our friends and our partners along Syria’s borders, including Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq. It could lead to escalating use of chemical weapons, or their proliferation to terrorist groups who would do our people harm. In a world with many dangers, this menace must be confronted.”
“After careful deliberation, I have decided that the United States should take military action against Syrian regime targets,” said Obama...
“… I will seek authorization for the use of force from the American people’s representatives in Congress.” There’s no indication that Congress will return earlier than Sept. 9, though, to begin considering such an authorization...
After the address, Obama went golfing with Biden at Fort Belvoir.
Obama’s remarks...were carried live on Syrian state television..
“Under the Constitution, the responsibility to declare war lies with Congress,” House GOP leaders Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) said in a joint statement. “We are glad the president is seeking authorization for any military action in Syria in response to serious, substantive questions being raised. In consultation with the president, we expect the House to consider a measure the week of September 9th. This provides the president time to make his case to Congress and the American people.”
“I appreciate the president’s decision to seek congressional authorization for military action,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-Calif.).
“I agree those who use chemical weapons against their own people should be held accountable. Authorization for the use of force in this case should be contingent on the president setting clear military objectives that can meet articulated policy goals, including degrading any party’s ability to use these weapons again. The coming days will determine if such a military operation can be identified. I look forward to the debate.”...
“I appreciate the president’s decision to seek congressional authorization for military action,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-Calif.).
“I agree those who use chemical weapons against their own people should be held accountable. Authorization for the use of force in this case should be contingent on the president setting clear military objectives that can meet articulated policy goals, including degrading any party’s ability to use these weapons again. The coming days will determine if such a military operation can be identified. I look forward to the debate.”...
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