Ruppersberger Statement on the Situation in Syria

Statement

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), Ranking Member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement regarding the situation in Syria.

"This evening, the Obama Administration's national security team briefed House and Senate leadership and the Chairs and Ranking Members of the national security Committees on the grave situation in Syria. I appreciate the Administration's efforts to consult with Congress on this very important issue.

The Administration says it has convincing intelligence that shows that the Syrian government used chemical weapons against its own people, killing an estimated 1,300 men, women and children. The national security team laid out the options it is currently considering in response to Syria's use of chemical weapons in violation of the 1925 Geneva Protocol outlawing the use of poisonous gases.

The Assad government must be held accountable and must be stopped from using these reprehensible weapons again. The use of such horrendous weapons against civilians, especially women and children, is reprehensible. In a civilized society, the world cannot stand by and allow their use to go undeterred and unpunished. This reckless move threatens us all. Without proper accountability, I also fear other countries may think they can use their chemical agents against their own people or their enemies without fear of consequences. We all have a stake in preventing the further use of chemical weapons.

The United States must be careful in how it proceeds and must act together with a coalition of countries. The United States cannot be the lone Sheriff of the whole world. We must proceed together with our coalition partners and the Arab League.

In addition, I agree with the President Obama that American boots on the ground is not a viable option. The Administration's national security team also said this evening that it will continue to declassify key details of the findings in Syria to ensure the American people have greater visibility into the situation. I applaud those efforts. I look forward to working with the Obama Administration as we move forward."

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