Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, via Twitter:
"A pinpointed, limited action to punish and hopefully deter Assad from doing this again is appropriate, but the administration has to be careful about not getting us into a greater and more involved war in Syria."
Democratic Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, via Twitter:
"Chemical attacks in Syria are horrifying, and a clear violation of international law. The world must hold Assad accountable for his violence against the Syrian people – and the US should be part of a planned, coordinated multilateral effort.(1/2)"
"The Constitution gives Congress the power to authorize military action. If @realDonaldTrump wants to expand American military involvement in Syria's civil war, he must seek approval from Congress – & provide a comprehensive strategy with clear goals & a plan to achieve them.(2/2)"
Democratic Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, via Twitter:
"Attacks such as this on another country without congressional authorization are unconstitutional, and they push the United States closer to what could be an interminable, all-out conflict in Syria."
Full statement here: https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-retaliatory-us-military-strikes-on-syria-unconstitutional-incoherent
Democratic Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, via email:
“This strike lacks a coherent strategy, sending a message without real effect on Assad’s war capability. A military response to Assad’s brutal use of chemical weapons was well-merited, but President Trump must come to Congress, and set forth a consistent strategic path forward. Assad should be held accountable— tried and convicted of war crimes. His Russian and Iranian enablers should be held responsible as well,” Blumenthal said.
“An effective response to this crisis cannot just be a military one — what remains lacking are robust diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian efforts. The Trump Administration has essentially slammed the door in the face of refugees fleeing Assad’s war crimes. Turning our back on children and families desperately seeking refuge is a shameful affront to our shared American values.”
Democratic Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, NY-18 via Twitter:
"God bless and protect our troops. They’ve sent the message that using poison gas on innocent civilians is immoral and unacceptable."
"The Constitution requires Congress to demand a real strategy and authorize it (or not). No more open-ended Middle East wars."
Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, NY-21 via email:
“Last night, U.S. and allied forces launched precision air strikes against the Syrian regime in response to its use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians. This kind of brutality cannot stand, and I support the President’s decision to respond with the support of our allies in the UK and France.
“There are many questions that remain about our policy in Syria, and I will continue working with my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to conduct rigorous oversight of our strategy. I pray for the safety of our brave men and women serving in uniform as they carry out this mission.”
Democratic Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty, CT-5 via email:
“Last night's missile strike was a measured and proportionate immediate response to Assad’s heinous use of chemical weapons against his own people. What happened in Syria earlier this week is incomprehensible and an atrocious attack on Syrian citizens. I am encouraged that these actions were specifically targeted towards chemical weapon facilities and were carried out in concert with our allies in the United Kingdom and France.
“However, continued military engagement in Syria will require congressional approval. Having a debate and a vote is the right thing to do for our Constitution and our country. Congress has abdicated this responsibility for far too long. We can’t pour resources and risk the lives of our troops in a new military conflict without a clear, comprehensive strategy and full consideration of the long-term ramifications. Beyond these attacks, our strategy should account for diplomatic avenues, a plan for dealing with regimes and organizations that continue to support Assad, and a thoughtful refugee policy to alleviate the terrible humanitarian crisis created by the ongoing violence.”
