Yes, Congress Should Have Say On U.S. Action In Syria

Montana’s three elected federal representatives – Sen. Max Baucus, Rep. Steve Daines and Sen. Jon Tester – on Aug. 31 released statements with their still-evolving positions on whether the United States should take military action in Syria. Here are those statements.

SEN. BAUCUS

Bozeman – Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus released the following statement today in response to President Obama saying the United States should take military action against Syrian targets and he will seek Congressional approval to do so.

“The President is right to seek Congressional approval and I am ready to participate in a full and transparent debate in the Senate. I am carefully reviewing all intelligence and talking to Montanans before making any decisions.

"There is no question that Bashar al-Assad’s actions against his own people are reprehensible. At the same time, we need to be very careful about any type of military intervention, and make sure we understand and are prepared to deal with all possible repercussions.

"After two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we need to focus our resources on creating good-paying jobs here in America.”

REP. DAINES

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Daines today released the following statement in regards to President Barack Obama’s decision to seek Congressional authorization for the use of force against Syria:

“I am glad to see the President agreeing to my request – and the demands of the American people –for Congressional approval before any potential military action in Syria. I will closely scrutinize intelligence suggesting that the Syrian regime has unleashed weapons of mass destruction against innocent civilians. Like many Montanans I’ve spoken to, however, I do not want to put our country center stage into a conflict where the objective isn’t clear, the outcome is uncertain and American lives are in jeopardy. I will not support the use of military force unless I’m convinced that our national security is at risk and the President’s military strategy will successfully secure our interests.”

SEN. TESTER

BIG SANDY – Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after President Obama’s speech regarding Syria:

“The President has made the right decision to seek authorization from Congress and I will carefully review the situation before making a decision on how I will vote.”