Minnesota leaders call on Trump to consult with Congress on Syria
Published 10:32 pm Friday, April 7, 2017
MINNEAPOLIS — Members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation from both parties on Friday mostly supported President Donald’s decision to launch a missile strike against Syria in response to this week’s chemical attack, but they insisted the president needs to consult with Congress before any future escalation of the conflict.
“Using chemical weapons is an atrocity,” Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar said. “These missile strikes targeted the air base used to launch the chemical attack, and it is right to show (Syrian President Bashar) Assad that he will be held accountable.”
Republican Rep. Jason Lewis said it was easy to understand why Trump ordered the missile attack.
“Nevertheless, Syria is very complicated and the situation on the ground remains stubbornly intractable,” Lewis said. “We should continue our efforts towards resolving the conflict, but any escalation of military action must get approval from Congress.”
Democratic Rep. Tim Walz, a retired National Guard command sergeant major, said Trump must communicate a “holistic strategy” for dealing with the conflict in Syria to Congress.
“If we are to take further military action in Syria, we owe it to our brave service members to provide them a clear directive, an unquestionable path to victory, and a coalition of allied forces to fight by their side,” Walz said.
Democratic Rep, Betty McCollum called on GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan to call the House back from its two-week recess to set clear limits on the use of U.S. troops.
Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison issued a statement with other leaders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus sharply criticizing the president for failing to seek congressional authorization in the absence of an imminent threat to the U.S.
“These unauthorized attacks could pull the United States into a regional war and escalate this unprecedented humanitarian crisis,” their statement said. “The best way President Trump could help the people of Syria would be to immediately abandon his inhumane ban on refugees from Syria and other war-torn countries, as well as his draconian cuts to diplomacy and international aid.”