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Iowa Congressman asks for feedback on Syria crisis

Tom Latham
Tom Latham

From Iowa Congressman Tom Latham –

You’ve no doubt heard about the escalating civil war in Syria and the request by President Obama to Congress to authorize military intervention by the United States. While there is no question that the recently reported use of chemical weapons by Bashar al-Assad’s regime is wrong, there is one major question yet to be answered: whether or not the involvement of our armed forces in this situation would be in the best interest the American people.

The Syrian conflict had already reached serious levels before the recent accounts of chemical weapons attacks, as the prolonged strife had claimed more than 100,000 lives. President Obama has stated that the use of chemical weapons against civilians in the conflict now poses a threat to our interests and he is calling for military action in response. Because it is the legislative branch’s role to provide input and authorization for such decisions, I joined a bipartisan group of 130 U.S. House colleagues in formally asking the President to “consult and receive authorization from Congress” before moving forward.

I am pleased that he granted our request and the debate has begun on Capitol Hill.

While the Senate is already well underway in the process, the U.S. House will begin debating this matter on Monday, September 9th. The House and Senate will eventually consider and vote on a resolution giving President Obama the authorization to use military force in Syria. I am leaning toward casting a “NO” vote on such a resolution. However, because I have not yet had the opportunity to review the classified intelligence briefings and confer with other officials about this issue, I am withholding final judgment on how I will vote.

If you have been to one of my many town meetings or have seen my public comments in the press you will know that I have serious doubts about the United States’ role in Syria. The President has yet to persuade me that U.S. involvement would accomplish a positive result for our national security, help resolve the conflict, or at least prevent escalation that would lead to a deeper military commitment. And importantly, he has not fully fleshed out what the ultimate goals of any military mission would be. These concerns ought to be discussed by the President, his administration, the House, the Senate — and you.

I want to hear directly from Iowans — from you — about this matter as we move toward the debate and vote on a resolution. Your input and that of your family, neighbors and coworkers matters a great deal to me, because making a national decision as weighty and consequential as committing the U.S. military to a foreign conflict like the one in Syria deserves all the discussion we can afford.

Please click this link to take a one-question survey that simply asks, “Do you support U.S. military involvement in Syria?” By answering the question, you will receive regular updates in the days ahead as news about Syria develops — giving you information immediately, as it happens.

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