State Journal-Register - Davis: Briefing Didn't Change Mind on Syria

By Bernard Schoenburg

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, said a briefing from top Obama administration officials Monday didn't change his likely opposition to proposed military action against Syria.

"Before I had this classified briefing, I was leaning 'no' based upon the fact that I don't think that the administration has an effective plan of action," Davis told The State Journal-Register. "After the classified briefing, I am still a "no.'"

President Barack Obama is scheduled to address the nation tonight about the need to respond to alleged use of chemical weapons by the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

"I think the president has a tough job… to sell this plan, unless there are some major changes to what we already know," Davis said.

The briefing was for most members of the House and included Secretary of State John Kerry, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and National Security Adviser Susan Rice, among others, Davis said.

Davis said he continues to believe that al-Assad is "a genocidal maniac."
"My question is and always has been, "What are we going to do about that?'" Davis said. "My fear is that this limited attack is not going to deter Assad nor get rid of the chemical weapons cache that he supposedly has. And then what would deter him, from this limited attack, to use them against his own people?"

Most members of the House, reportedly, have been against approving military action. Davis said he has spoken with House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., who both support Obama on this issue. He said he briefly spoke with Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Manteno, a strong supporter of military action in this case, on the way into Monday's briefing.

"I respect Adam's opinion," Davis said, but added, "I think I am still not convinced this is a vote that I will take."

Davis represents part of Springfield, and U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Peoria, represents the rest of the capital city. Schock last week said he was reviewing the president's proposal and would give "great weight" to that plan and the case the president makes to Congress.

Schock also attended Monday's briefing and remains undecided, said spokesman Steve Dutton.

"He is continuing to get the facts as well as listen to the case that President Obama is laying out," Dutton said.

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