Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Military Strikes in Syria
Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after U.S forces conducted a military strike targeting a Syrian government airfield in response to the Assad Regime's use of chemical weapons on its own people:
"Bashar al-Assad is a brutal dictator who has a long history of killing innocent men, women and children. While this week's attack was horrific, sadly it was not the first time this has occurred under his regime. The ongoing Civil War in Syria, perpetuated by Assad with the backing of Russia, has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and driven millions of refugees from their homes. This week's heinous use of chemical weapons by Assad violates international law and defies basic human decency.
"At this time, the military strike in Syria appears to be a limited and appropriate response to Assad's use of chemical weapons on his own people. The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war. Thus, if the President seeks further U.S. military involvement in Syria, he must come to Congress and ask for an Authorization for the Use of Military Force. The people I represent deserve a debate in Congress over the scope, size and strategy of any additional military action in the Middle East.
"Finally, any military or diplomatic intervention has to be coupled with increased humanitarian support, including providing refuge for those victims of terror fleeing Assad's brutal dictatorship."