Watson-Coleman Says President Should've Consulted Congress On Syria Strike

Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman (D-12) urged President Donald Trump to consult Congress before he takes any further action against Syria. She also said he should’ve done so before Thursday night’s missile strike.

“We need to take decisive steps to combat Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s war crimes, but Congress has a Constitutional duty to ensure a calculated and warranted response – especially when that response requires military action,” Watson-Coleman said in a statement posted Friday morning. “We honor and pray for the courageous men and women of our military for their continued sacrifices on behalf of our nation. The commitment of these men, women, and their families make it critical for the President to engage in a dialogue with Congress about the rationale of this drastic measure and any further action being considered – a debate that should have transpired ahead of these airstrikes. Seemingly short-sighted actions like these strikes have a potential to be regressive and dangerous. Passing a new Authorization for Use of Military Force would allow Congress to establish a responsible plan through debate to move toward peace in Syria. This President owes the American people an explanation of his strategy and a clear plan to execute his goals. The Administration’s 'America First' agenda cannot leave out the American people nor the men and women elected to serve in their best interests.”

Watson-Coleman isn’t alone in her beliefs. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, called the airstrikes “reckless and short-sighted,” and other representatives in New Jersey have also urged the president to consult Congress.

"President Trump’s response to Bashar al-Assad’s chemical attack on his own people was justified. The U.S. must no longer lead from behind," Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2) said. "I strongly encourage the President and his National Security Team to fully engage Congress in this effort."

“I believe the Syria Strikes were an appropriate response to the regime’s horrific use of chemical weapons,” Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1) said. “The strikes were an appropriate, proportional response to Bashar al-Assad regime’s horrific use of chemical weapons against civilians, including innocent children. Assad’s regime has disregarded international norms and committed awful humanitarian crimes. The United States must stand in solidarity with the international community in condemning the abhorrent actions of the Assad regime and denouncing the regime’s legitimacy entirely. Moreover, the Russian government should be held accountable for fostering the events that led to this crisis. Moving forward, it’s vital the Administration provides Congress, the American people and the men and women of our armed forces with an outline and explanation of its Syria strategy.”

The strikes followed the Syrian government's chemical weapons attack Tuesday that killed at least 80 people, many of them babies and young children.

Thursday night’s missile strike targeted Syria's Shayrat Airfield, a military base, and six people were killed. The Pentagon said 59 Tomahawk missiles hit the airfield beginning at about 8:40 p.m. Eastern Time. They were launched from from two Navy destroyers — the USS Ross and USS Porter — positioned in the eastern Mediterranean. The missiles were aimed at jet fighters, aircraft hangars, radars, ammunition bunkers, fuel storage facilities and air defense systems.

Russia and Iran predictably condemned the missile attack, calling it a breach of international law that will weaken their relationships with the United States.

But there has been widespread support domestically, as government officials weigh in with their thoughts.

“I fully support this decisive action against the Assad regime and salute our service members for carrying out this mission,” Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-3) said. “Earlier this week, Assad launched a barbaric chemical weapons attack against the Syrian people—killing innocent people, including many children. These strikes send an important message that America will not stay silent and allow this type of evil to exist in the world.”

“Bashar al Assad's most recent chemical attack on innocent Syrian civilians was a crime against humanity. Last night's air strikes targeting the launch site of those chemical weapons sent a message to Assad and to the world that using chemical weapons to slaughter innocent civilians is a gross violation of international law that will have consequences,” U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said. “As I did when Assad first used chemical weapons against his own population in 2013, I believe this heinous act merited an international response. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee then, I worked with a bipartisan group of senators to authorize the use of military force for the purpose of getting rid of Assad’s chemical weapons. Evidently, Syria has violated their obligations under that agreement to fully do so.

“As we consider further response to Assad’s brutal actions, we must also look at those actors complicit in his years of carnage, including Vladimir Putin in Russia. President Trump must also be prepared to address Russia’s role in this horrific conflict as well. Unless we change Russia and Iran’s commitment to propping up Assad, the slaughter will continue.

“Lastly, this latest chemical attack should serve as a gruesome reminder to the Trump administration of the horror in this brutal conflict, which has led to the worst refugee crisis since World War II. The United States has always been a beacon of hope for those fleeing persecution and violence, and bombs alone will not bring about a resolution. We must also have a humane refugee policy as this humanitarian disaster continues to unfold.”

Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham were also supportive, as was House Speaker Paul Ryan, who said the president needs to involve Congress in any plans moving forward. Senate Democrats were also generally supportive. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) has asked Ryan to call House members back from their spring recess to discuss the strikes.

On Friday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the Security Council the strikes were “fully justified” because of the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons.

Patch file photo