Tipton Statement on President's Speech on Syria

Statement

Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement following the President's announcement that he would seek Congressional authorization to use military force in Syria.

"My heart goes out to the innocent civilians in Syria that have suffered because of the fighting in their country. The use of chemical weapons by a government on its people is unacceptable, and the reports that this has occurred are troubling.

"I'm pleased the President is seeking Congressional authorization for the use of military force. There may be a difference however between 'seeking' versus 'asking' for Congressional authorization, and before the President proceeds with any action, I hope that he will allow for equal debate in both the House and Senate on his plan and ultimately adhere to the outcome of the votes we will take.

"The chemical weapons attacks in Syria should be met with serious consequences and there are a number of options on the table, including the President's proposal, which Congress will debate and consider. Americans have many questions and concerns about the use of military force as a response. I believe that they must be taken seriously. Military action should always be the last resort and the use of military force should be in the best interest of the United States and/or our interests first and foremost. I look forward to reviewing the President's justification for the use of military force in Syria, and to the discussion and debate we will have on it in Congress."

This week, Tipton joined 115 of his House colleagues in a bipartisan letter to the President urging that he consult with Congress before taking any military action in Syria.

"We strongly urge you to consult and receive authorization from Congress before ordering the use of U.S. military force in Syria. Your responsibility to do so is prescribed in the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973," the members wrote. "If you deem that military action in Syria is necessary, Congress can reconvene at your request. We stand ready to come back into session, consider the facts before us, and share the burden of decisions made regarding U.S. involvement in the quickly escalating Syrian conflict."

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