WASHINGTON – President Trump’s missile strikes against a Syrian government airbase in response to the Assad regime’s chemical weapons attack on civilians has elicited reaction from area House members – Democrat Nita Lowey (D, NY-17), Democrat Sean Patrick Maloney (D, NY-18) and Republican John Faso (R, NY-19).
The missile strike “was a measured response to deter further use of chemical weapons by Assad and the Syrian regime.” Lowey said, though, the strike “will not solve the Syrian crisis nor provide humanitarian assistance so desperately in need.”.
The long-time House Member said the president “must now present to the American people and armed forces a comprehensive, long-term strategy for ending the Syrian crisis, providing stability to the region, removing Assad, and holding him accountable for his crimes.”
Faso said it is important that the civilized world send a message that the use of chemical weapons, particularly on unarmed civilians, in Syria is “an outrage and moral offense” and must not be tolerated.
“It is something that was outlawed almost 100 years ago,” Faso said. “The international community has by and large strictly abided by this and Assad and his Syrian regime have to be sent a very strong message and I think the US response was proportionate and was appropriate.”.
Maloney call Assad “a butcher and murderer” and said the US air strikes were “a targeted and proportionate response.” But, Maloney said the U.S. “cannot conduct foreign policy on an ad hoc basis.” He said if the president wants to take expanded military action against Syria, he must secure congressional approval.
And if the U.S. is to expand its military role in the conflict, there must be a “clear mission objective and exit strategy and its needs the support of the American people,” Maloney said.
New York’s senior senator, Democrat Charles Schumer said that, “Making sure Assad knows that when he commits such despicable atrocities he will pay a price is the right thing to do.”
Schumer said the Trump administration must “come up with a strategy and consult with Congress before implementing it.” The senator praised “the professionalism and skill” of the US armed forces who took action.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D, NY) called the Syrian attacks on its own people “unconscionable atrocities and a direct violation of international law [and] demand a firm response from the U.S. and the world community.” But, she said unilateral military action by the U.S. in a Middle East conflict “causes grave concern” since there was no congressional authorization and lacked a long-term plan or strategy to address any consequences from a unilateral action.”
Gillibrand said there is no “military only” solution to the suffering in Syria. “The American people need answers from the administration about their plan here and how they will bring coalition partners to the table for a long-term diplomatic solution.”
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