Rep. Takano Statement on U.S. Military Strike in Syria
Riverside, Calif. – Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), the vice ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement after President Trump ordered military strikes in response to Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s use of chemical weapons against civilians.
“President Bashar Al-Assad must be held accountable for his use of chemical weapons against civilians. However, President Trump’s decision to use military force in Syria without a coherent strategy and without authorization from Congress is irresponsible and unacceptable. I have repeatedly called on my colleagues to consider an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) that defines the scope and purpose of our military action for the first time since 2001. Tonight is a reminder that this debate is long overdue.
“If President Trump is truly concerned for the safety of Syrian civilians, he should lift his immoral ban on Syrian refugees who are desperately seeking to escape Assad’s evil regime.
“My thoughts are with the American service members and our allies in action tonight.”