On August 31st:
“I’m dubious but willing to listen. Given the urgency expressed this week by the administration, Congress ought to return next week to consider a resolution, rather than waiting. The questions are what is the goal of a military strike, how will civilian casualties be avoided, what is the strategic plan, and how will success be measured.”
On August 30th:
“I met with Iowans in 15 communities this week. There are a lot of questions about possible military action by the United States against the Syrian government. Statements today by the Secretary of State and our President are compelling, and there’s no doubt the world community should be united in condemning any chemical weapons attack. Congress has an important part in reflecting the concerns and views of Americans and should convene to discuss Syria and the role and response of the United States under our tradition of moral leadership as well as what is a national security interest of the United States and what justifies the expenditure of U.S. resources. I want to know what the goal of the military strike is, how civilian casualties will be avoided, what the strategic plan is, and how we will know if the effort was successful.”