WASSERMAN SCHULTZ STATEMENT ON U.S. AIRSTRIKES IN SYRIA

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement on the U.S. airstrikes in Syria:

“Last night’s targeted missile attack on al-Shayrat air base was a measured and appropriate response to the Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons against innocent men, women, and children. Since 2011, Bashar al-Assad’s forces have killed an estimated 400,000 people – mostly civilians – by unconscionably targeting and attacking major population centers.

As a mother and a Jew, I cannot turn my cheek to this unadulterated evil, and as a Member of the United States Congress, I have a duty to keep the American people safe and hold the Assad regime accountable for its war crimes and brutality. Syria has indisputably become a hotbed for terrorist activity, propped up by Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah. Both ISIS and al-Qaida are operating near the Syria/Israel border, putting both the Jewish state and our regional security interests at risk.

Although the missile attack was warranted, I have serious concerns about the Trump Administration’s irresponsible statements earlier in the week, which may have emboldened Assad, and an overall erratic policy that indicates there is no longer-term strategy in place here.

For these reasons, I support our nation exercising the moral leadership that makes us a beacon of hope to the rest of the world. However, we must also lead by example, which means ensuring we uphold our Constitution. To that end, if President Trump believes it is in our national interest to engage in further hostilities against the Assad regime, he must obtain an authorization for the use of such force from Congress. He also must present Congress with a clear and comprehensive strategy to end Assad’s dictatorship.”