Today, U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci (OH-16) released the following statement announcing he cannot currently support a resolution authorizing a strike against the nation of Syria:
"There can be no doubt that the use of chemical weapons is a horrific and deplorable act, one that should be rejected by the entire international community. However, I have waited for President Obama and his Administration to lay out a clear goal for American military action in Syria and to define our mission there. To date, I do not believe they have done so. In fact, the President has shown a shocking lack of leadership to this point, even before he punted the issue to Congress. I also maintain my deep concern that through these strikes we may assist some rebel groups that have been infiltrated by radical Islamist elements like Al Qaeda. Therefore, at this time I cannot vote to put American men and women in harm's way in any capacity as it pertains to Syria."
Rep. Renacci is serving his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he is a member of the Ways and Means Committee. Prior to his election he worked as a Certified Public Accountant in the health care industry, and owned and operated over 60 other businesses in the automotive and sports management fields.