Chairman Crowley Statement on U.S. Airstrikes in Syria

Chairman Crowley Statement on U.S. Airstrikes in Syria

(Queens, NY) – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement on the U.S. airstrikes in Syria:

“The recent chemical weapons attack against the Syrian people is an affront to the United States and the civilized world, and demands a compelling strategy to stop the normalization of chemical weapons use. This horrific assault against men, women, and children highlights the pressing need to bring an end to the terrible Syrian civil war that has cost hundreds of thousands of innocent lives. As the leader of the free world, the U.S. should never sit on the sidelines as atrocities unfold. The decision to strike an air base in Syria after Bashir al-Assad perpetrated the deadly attack against his own people appears to be a proportional response by the Trump Administration.

“President Trump owes it to our men and women in uniform and the American people to explain his long-term strategy toward Syria and how it enhances American security and advances protections of human rights. This explanation is critical given that just last week the Administration signaled a hands-off approach in response to the atrocities in Syria, the President’s long, effusive praise for the Assad regime’s patron Vladimir Putin, and his long-held position that the U.S. should not intervene in Syria.

“There is also an unmistakable need to consult with Congress about authorization for the U.S. to move beyond limited strikes. I support calls for Speaker Ryan to bring Congress back to Washington to consider a new Authorization for Use of Military Force, as well as to hold discussions on the path forward.

“Furthermore, the need for military strikes against Syria also begs the Trump Administration to reevaluate its inhumane policies toward refugees – many of whom are seeking to flee the brutal dictatorship of Assad. As President Trump explains to the American people what his strategy is, I hope to also hear about how he will welcome refugees who are seeking safety and security in the U.S.”

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