Sen. Boxer
Kitty Felde, Nuran Alteir, Monica Luhar, Brian Frank & Chris Keller | Updated Sept. 9, 2013
Likely Yes
As of 9/4/2013
Sen. Boxer
Quote: "As the author of the Syria Accountability Act, which raised deep concerns about Syria's chemical weapons program, I believe those who used these horrific weapons to cause so much human suffering must be held accountable."
Likely Yes
As of 8/30/2013
Sen. Feinstein
Quote: "I listened carefully to what Secretary Kerry had to say and believe his remarks should stir the conscience of the world. He pointed out the high confidence our government has that this was a chemical weapons attack, that it was directed by the Assad regime and that it killed 1,429 people, including at least 426 children... I agree with Secretary Kerry that the world cannot let such a heinous attack pass without a meaningful response, and I hope the international community will take appropriate action."
Source: Press Release
Date: 8/30/2013
Awaiting Response
As of 9/4/2013
Rep. Bass
Likely Yes
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Becerra
Quote: "The use of chemical weapons is immoral and an unmistakably heinous crime under international law. A perpetrator of such a barbarous act must be held accountable, otherwise the civilized world gives license to such crimes against humanity. What America does in response to the mass killings in Syria depends, for me, on the answer to two questions: First, do we have compelling, uncontroverted evidence that chemical weapons were used and who was responsible? Second, absent formal Congressional approval or United Nations authorization, is the proposed response targeted and strategic, aimed at deterring future outlaw behavior?"
Source: Press Release
Date: 8/31/2013
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Bera
Quote: "We all agree that the Assad regime's use of chemical weapons on civilians was deplorable and a direct violation of international standards for human rights. I join the international community in condemning their actions. I applaud the President's decision to seek authorization from Congress before taking action in Syria. A national debate on this issue will make our country and our response stronger."
Source: Spokesperson via E-mail
Date: 9/4/2013
Undecided
As of 9/6/2013
Rep. Brownley
Quote: "Clearly the use of chemical weapons is an unconscionable and intolerable act that must be addressed and I applaud the President for consulting with Congress so they and the American people can deliberate on this very serious issue. I have been gathering as much information as possible, have been reaching out to my constituents, and will review all of the intelligence materials available, so that I can make the most informed decision possible to the President's request before Congress."
Source: Statement via E-mail
Date: 9/4/2013
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Calvert
Quote: "The President needs to clarify his position on Syria as well as his broader Middle East strategy. In the coming days, I hope to see more details, a more coherent policy, and more decisive leadership from the President."
Source: Statement via E-mail
Likely No
As of 9/4/2013
Rep. Campbell
Quote: "Any potential military action could have the consequence of expanding into a much wider conflict and is not warranted by U.S. foreign policy interests. We should stay out of it."
Source: Spokesperson via E-mail
Date: 9/4/2013
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Capps
Quote: "Any military involvement by the United States must be weighed very carefully, and I am pleased the president has decided to go to Congress for approval. This decision affects our entire nation, and deserves a broad discussion and full consideration. I look forward to hearing additional details in briefings when I return to Washington, D.C. What we can do -- right now -- is ramp up our humanitarian aid, both inside Syria and to its neighbors to help the millions of refugees who are fleeing the fighting."
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Cardenas
Quote: "I look forward to hearing and analyzing all the intelligence and evidence, having a robust debate, and coming to a conclusion on the issue."
Undecided
As of 9/6/2013
Rep. Chu
Quote: "The Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons is an atrocity deserving of universal condemnation. A tyrant who commits these unspeakable acts against his own people must be confronted by the international community. We need a robust debate in Congress -- one that weighs the consequences of potential actions and keeps America's best interests at heart. My top priority in the days to come is to deliberate on the facts as we know them, and deliver a vote for the best course of action for the American people and the world."
Source: Facebook
Date: 9/3/2013
Undecided
Rep. Cook
Quote: "Last week, the President asked Congress for authorization for the use of military force in Syria, based on evidence of chemical weapons use in the Syrian civil war. In the last 24 hours, the possibility of a diplomatic solution has arisen, where Syria would relinquish all of its chemical weapons voluntarily and thus avoid military intervention by the United States. I’m watching this development very closely. This week, I’m taking part in hearings on Syria in the House Armed Services Committee where I will have the opportunity to hear from and question Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and General Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I will be listening to their testimony and answers closely as they make their case for war."
Source: Newsletter
Date: 9/10/2013
Undecided
As of 9/4/2013
Rep. Costa
Quote: From Fresno Bee: "I told the White House that I'm open to considering support, but I want to know more definition of what the plan is. If our resolution is going to parallel the Senate's, that would provide the type of definition I'm looking for."
Source: Fresno Bee
Date: 9/4/2013
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep Davis
Quote: Susan Davis told KPBS the issue was not something the United States should take on alone: "That is not where we want to be. At the same time, it's not clear what happens down the line. I just think it is very hard for it to be a limited strike."
Source: KPBS
Date: 8/27/2013
Likely No
As of 9/6/2013
Rep. Denham
Quote: "One thing is certain, regardless of the decisions that will be made in Washington: it is the men and women of our armed forces who will bear the risk. Whatever your position on our potential engagement in Syria, I ask that you join me in praying for those who have chosen to serve and the families who are eagerly awaiting their return."
Source: Newsletter
Date: 8/30/2013
Undecided
As of 9/6/2013
Rep. Eshoo
Quote: Made in conjunction with Rep. Lofgren: "We understand that it might be unwise to publicly report the various scenarios that detail potential adverse consequences from a military attack, although we assume that this analysis has taken place. However, we feel we must learn of the potential adverse impacts of a military attack before a vote on authorization."
Source: Press Release
Date: 9/2/2013
Likely No
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Farr
Quote: Congressman Sam Farr told KSBW that he's not ready to send U.S. troops to Syria, but that from a humanitarian standpoint we cannot ignore atrocities: "I think the dilemma is, can't we get others to be leadership on this, why do we have to go alone? Or go be the policemen in Syria. On the other hand, we can't just sit by and watch atrocities, particularly using chemical warfare against all protocols worldwide."
Source: KSBW
Date: 8/28/2013
Likely No
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Garamendi
Quote: "There is no greater decision for a country to make than the decision to go to war. For that reason, the President has the responsibility to seek authorization from our nation's elected leaders before initiating military action. Our leaders in Congress have a similar responsibility to the American people to demand this constitutionally-required authority and to evaluate any potential U.S. military intervention abroad. The past decade has amply demonstrated the folly of military commitments poorly conceived. Our brave men and women in uniform deserve better. The American people deserve a full explanation of the situation, the pending action, the strategic goal, and the potential outcomes."
Source: Press Release
Date: 8/28/2013
Likely No
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Hahn
Quote: "I am hoping to find answer to the question: Is there another way to hold Assad accountable? This is what the international community wants to do. We want to hold him accountable. We want there to be some consequences. What is that? Is that just going to war? Is that bombing? Is that killing more people? I'm not there yet."
Source: CNN
Date: 9/1/2013
Undecided
As of 9/6/2013
Rep. Honda
Quote: "The use of chemical weapons by President Assad against his own people is a heinous act and an intolerable violation of the Geneva Protocol, but it is only the latest chapter in a long-running civil war that has no simple resolution. There are many problems that could be exacerbated by an extended U.S. intervention, including the spread of violence to neighboring states, an increase in the al Qaeda presence in Syria, and the overwhelming impact refugees are having on their neighbors. Congressional involvement regarding any military action in Syria is critical, and I applaud President Obama for submitting a resolution that my colleagues and I will debate upon my return to the Capitol. I firmly believe that true stability in the region will only be achieved through long-term diplomatic commitment and broad international support."
Source: Spokesperson via E-mail
Date: 9/3/2013
Likely No
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Huffman
Quote: "I am disgusted and outraged by the use of chemical weapons in Syria, apparently at the hands of the Assad regime. President Assad must be held accountable for any use of chemical weapons, but the United States must not repeat past mistakes by launching a military 'response' to something that has yet to be verified. President Obama should consult with, and seek approval from Congress before using American military force, and ensure that any action by the United States is appropriate, legitimate, and carefully limited to prevent our country from becoming militarily entangled in this complex sectarian conflict."
Source: Press Release
Date: 8/29/2013
Likely No
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Hunter
Quote: "There's a difference between sustained operations requiring debate and approval, and authority granted to the commander-in-chief by law that ensures the element of surprise and strategic value."
Source: Spokesman
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Issa
Quote: "To earn my vote of support for limited military intervention, President Obama must present a clear plan focused on effective humanitarian intervention or our national security interests. Tens of thousands have been killed by the Assad regime in this brutal conflict -- relatively few by chemical weapons. A military response that places an arbitrary focus on such weapons will do little to protect civilians and sends a deeply misguided signal that totalitarian regimes should only use conventional weapons to carry out mass murder."
Source: U-T San Diego
Date: 9/4/2013
Likely No
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. LaMalfa
Quote: "The crisis in Syria does not directly threaten our nation and should receive careful consideration by Congress prior to any military involvement."
Likely No
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Lee
Quote: "We have to understand when Secretary Kerry said -- and he was right -- there is no military solution, and in fact, the only way we're going to stop this is through a political settlement... Our credibility, I think, is on the line when in fact we continue to work for political and negotiated settlement, yet we continue to decide to use force. That will lead us much further from a negotiated settlement. Also, we have to look at the harm that could be done. We don't know what the collateral damage is going to be. We do not know what retaliation will take place. We do not know what the possibilities are for the conflict to spread and for regional war to begin."
Source: NPR
Date: 9/5/2013
Undecided
As of 9/2/2013
Rep. Lofgren
Quote: Made in conjunction with Rep. Eshoo: "We understand that it might be unwise to publicly report the various scenarios that detail potential adverse consequences from a military attack, although we assume that this analysis has taken place. However, we feel we must learn of the potential adverse impacts of a military attack before a vote on authorization. We will be available for classified briefings on this issue when Congress reconvenes in just a few days to receive these analyses."
Source: Press Release
Date: 9/2/2013
Undecided
Rep Lowenthal
Quote: "I deplore the loss of life in Syria and condemn the violence and human rights violations. The murder of innocent civilians by the Syrian government is an obscenity in and of itself, and the use of chemical weapons is an affront to every rule, law and convention that the United States and the international community hold sacrosanct. I am encouraged by the President's commitment to listen to the voice of the people, through their representatives in Congress, before engaging U.S. forces in a military strike on Syria. This is the proper path for our democracy. We must discuss, we must deliberate, and we must be mindful before we ever resort to force."
Source: Spokesperson
Date: 9/5/2013
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Matsui
Quote: "The decision to take military action can never be taken lightly. It is imperative that the Administration presents a strong, clear case to the American public, and provides specifics to Congress before any action is taken. I was pleased that Secretary Kerry addressed the public and that the Administration released unclassified intelligence it has gathered about the Assad regime's actions. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past by failing to fully consider and understand the costs, risks, and geopolitical implications of such actions. Any American military intervention against the Syrian government must have clear objectives and a clear timeline, and this information must be relayed to Congress and the American people."
Source: Spokesperson
Date: 9/5/2013
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. McCarthy
Quote: "House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy is weighing the information and intelligence presented to him by the President and his national security team. The President must continue to make the case for military action to the American people and the Congress. Absent a clear sense of what we must do, and what the mission is, it is difficult to formulate an appropriate and effective resolution authorizing the President to use military force against the Assad regime." - Mike Long, spokesman for House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy
Source: Spokesperson
Date: 9/5/2013
Likely No
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. McClintock
Quote: "Once any nation commits an act of war against another, from that moment it is at war -- inextricably embroiled and entangled with an aggrieved and belligerent government and its allies that have 'casus belli' to prosecute hostilities regardless of what Congress then decides. If there are facts that compel us to take such a course, let those facts be laid before Congress and let Congress fulfill its rightful constitutional role on the most momentous decision any government can make."
Source: Spokesperson
Date: 9/5/2013
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. McKeon
Quote: "One thing that bothers me is the president drawing a red line without knowing in his mind what he would do if they crossed the red line."
Source: Spokesperson
Date: 9/5/2013
Undecided
As of 9/6/2013
Rep. McNerney
Quote: McNerney told Fox40 he doesn't agree with any solo U.S. action: "The urge to do symbolic bombings or action like that is counter-productive."
Source: Fox40
Date: 8/29/2013
Undecided
As of 9/4/2013
Rep. Miller
Quote: "The President has asked for Congressional approval to engage with military options. The President must understand that far too many of our bravest men and women have already paid the ultimate sacrifice to stabilize a region that may never change -- a region that often repays American sacrifice with repudiation and further violence. The use of weapons of any kind on civilian populations is absolutely unacceptable and the use of chemical weapons brings a new horror to this unstable region. However, the question will be whether it must be the American people who bring these criminals to justice."
Source: Spokesperson
Date: 9/4/2013
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Miller
Quote: "Like most Americans, I am wary of getting America involved in yet another war. I will weigh this concern against the very serious concern I share with the President over the use of chemical weapons in violation of the Chemical Weapons Ban Treaty."
Source: Press Release
Date: 8/31/2013
Likely No
As of 9/3/2013
Rep. Napolitano
Quote: "I voted against the resolution to go to war in Iraq and Afghanistan. I don't believe we need to go to war. We seem to forget that we have needs at home. We're so far in debt, and we need the money here at home for seniors, infrastructure, etc. It's other countries asking us to be the policeman of the world. I am voting [according to] my district. We've gotten 140 calls against military action. Only two support the President's plan."
Source: Interview with KPCC
Date: 9/3/2013
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Negrete McLeod
Quote: "The recent escalation of atrocities inflicted by the Syrian government on its own citizens leaves little doubt that it has no intention of abiding by any standard of moral decency that is recognized by the international community. Americans are outraged by President Assad's willful disregard for human rights through the use of chemical weapons. This action no longer justifies a strictly 'hands off' diplomacy to what Americans once perceived as a regional conflict. Today I join my fellow lawmakers in condemning the Assad regime. I stand with them, prepared to consult with President Obama on setting forth a course of action that affirms our nation's commitment to human rights."
Source: Spokesperson
Date: 9/5/2013
Likely No
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Nunes
Quote: "The apparent chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime is an appalling, unconscionable act by a bloodthirsty tyrant. The ‘limited' military response supported by President Obama, however, shows no clear goal, tactical objective, or in fact any coherence whatsoever, and is supported neither by myself nor the American people. President Obama has gone from leading from behind, to not leading at all, to now hiding behind Congress. This is not a winning strategy."
Source: Press Release
Date: 9/1/2013
Likely Yes
As of 8/31/2013
Rep. Pelosi
Quote: "President Assad was wrong to gas the Syrian people, killing more than 1,400 people, including 400 children. It is a pillar of America's security that we must stop the use and proliferation of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. As the President stated, military action in response to Assad's reckless use of deadly gas that is limited in scope and duration, without boots on the ground, is in our national security interest and in furtherance of regional stability and global security."
Source: Press Release
Date: 9/3/2013
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Peters
Quote: "Reports that the Assad regime has used chemical weapons against its own people, including children, are shocking. Acts like these are unconscionable and reprehensible. I understand President Obama's concern that these atrocities not be ignored. As I consider the President's request for support, I will need to determine our intended objective, the specific actions to be taken, the expected response, our exit strategy, and how these efforts will protect American interests both in the region and here at home. San Diegans have paid a particularly heavy price for our engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan in the past decade. That's why I welcome the President's call for Congressional input on this very serious matter. This debate will allow Congress and the American people to have more clarity on the facts that have been gathered and on what our commitments will be moving forward."
Source: Press Release
Date: 8/31/2013
Likely No
As of 9/4/2013
Rep. Rohrabacher
Quote: "The American people are war weary. We should pay attention to their common sense. We should not engage in conflicts around the world unless they directly affect our national security. This is not the case with Syria. Both sides of the Syrian conflict are dominated by forces opposed not only to American interests, but to American values. For those who say we should intervene against Assad because he's a dictator, we should have learned our lesson in Iraq, which cost us the lives of 6,000 Americans and tens of thousands wounded, not to mention a trillion dollars added to the debt that hangs around the necks of the American people. Even worse, those we sacrificed for are not grateful. Getting involved in Syria would be even worse because it would indicate we haven't learned our lesson. America should not retreat from the world, nor can we police the world. Our military should not be engaged in any way in the Syrian conflict. I will therefore vote against any resolution approving America's military engagement in the Syrian conflict."
Source: Press Release
Date: 9/4/2013
Undecided
As of 9/6/2013
Rep. Roybal-Allard
Quote: "The images of children killed in the chemical weapons attack in Syria are truly horrifying. The use of these weapons by a government against its people is beyond deplorable and violates the international community's stance against these weapons of mass destruction. As Congress prepares to debate how best to respond to this atrocity, I will continue to gather information and listen to all opinions in order to determine the best way to ensure this kind of heinous barbarity never occurs again."
Source: Statement via E-mail
Awaiting Response
Rep. Royce
Quote: "The Administration's Syria policy has been incoherent, and there are many unanswered questions, so I welcome the President's decision to seek congressional authorization for any use of military force and look forward to a vigorous debate on this critical issue. Any proposed U.S. military response to the Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons demands thorough and deliberate consideration. The President will need to make his case to the American public and Congress."
Source: Press Release
Date: 8/27/2013
Undecided
As of 9/9/2013
Rep. Ruiz
Quote: "The use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government is illegal, immoral, and inexcusable. The U.S. needs to determine what response best serves our own national interest and the cause of human rights. We must act thoughtfully and strategically."
Source: Desert Sun
Date: 8/28/2013
Undecided
As of 9/4/2013
Rep. Sanchez
Quote: "The decision to authorize force in Syria is a very solemn responsibility, and Congresswoman Sanchez believes that Congress must be fully informed before taking any action. The Congresswoman recently attended a classified briefing on the Syrian government's horrific use of chemical weapons, and she is currently reviewing all the facts and evidence. Congresswoman Sanchez looks forward to the debate in Congress, and most importantly, providing to her constituents the answers they deserve regarding the size, scope, and potential effect of any U.S. engagement in Syria."
Source: Spokesperson
Date: 9/4/2013
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Sanchez
Quote: "I am deeply concerned about the risk of not responding to this violation of international norms, especially in light of North Korea's and Iran's access to the same type of weapons. However, the course of action we take must be in the best interest of the United States and we simply cannot entangle ourselves in Syria's civil war. Any action going forward must be based upon constant communication and meaningful consultation between the White House, Congress and most importantly, the American people."
Source: Spokesperson
Date: 9/5/2013
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Schiff
Quote: "After Iraq and Afghanistan, the American public is weary of war, and I share that weariness. I have opposed arming the rebels in Syria, notwithstanding the Administration's support because I fear those weapons will get in the wrong hands and it will draw us into yet another sectarian civil war. I have also always taken a strong position against the use of chemical weapons and in favor of holding those who commit such war crimes accountable. As I weigh the difficult decision on any proposed authorization to use force, I will be particularly focused on narrowing the breadth of the authorization, as well as the Administration's effectiveness in making the case to the American people and marshaling international support for military action."
Source: Press Release
Likely Yes
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Sherman
Quote: "The Syrian opposition includes al-Qaeda affiliated elements. However the Assad regime poses a greater threat to U.S. national security interests as is illustrated by Assad's alliance with Iran and Hezbollah. We should demonstrate to Assad, and dictators who come after him, that they will pay a significant military price if they use chemical weapons -- particularly if they use chemical weapons on a large scale against civilians."
Source: Spokesperson
Date: 9/5/2013
Awaiting Response
As of 9/6/2013
Rep. Speier
Quote: From her office: "We're not responding to press right now. The staff is giving the Congresswoman all the constituent opinions (calls) and letters that come into the office each day and she's reviewing them nightly. We've gotten close to 2,500 calls and letters since [Aug. 30]. I expect more this weekend and into next week."
Source: Spokesperson
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Swalwell
Quote: Via a spokesman: "Congressman Swalwell has been briefed by U.S. military generals and intelligence officials on the developing situation in Syria. He strongly condemns Syria's use of chemical weapons but believes we must proceed with extreme caution and learn as much as possible about the deeply divided groups in the country before becoming actively involved in the conflict."
Source: Spokesman
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Takano
Quote: "The atrocities that have been documented in Syria are nothing short of horrific and I stand with President Obama and the international community in condemning the use of chemical weapons. I applaud the President for seeking congressional authority for a limited military strike against Syria and believe that Congress should only take action when it is fully informed."
Source: Facebook
Date: 8/31/2013
Undecided
As of 9/5/2013
Rep. Thompson
Quote: "The use of chemical weapons is appalling. I urged the President to reconvene Congress so that we can have a full and vigorous debate on the possible use of military force, and to ensure that an international coalition is part of any response to this apparent chemical weapons attack before a course of action is decided on."
Source: Facebook
Likely Yes
As of 9/6/2013
Rep. Valadao
Quote: "The current situation in Syria is very concerning to me. The apparent use of chemical weapons by Syria against their own citizens is deplorable. However, I believe the President should not have drawn a line in the sand without a plan for how the United States would respond if that line were to be crossed. Our credibility throughout the world is our greatest asset and strength is our best tool for peace."
Likely Yes
As of 9/6/2013
Rep. Vargas
Quote: "After reviewing the classified assessments of the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons, I am appalled that the Assad regime used sarin gas to brutally kill innocent civilians. I am particularly disturbed by the estimated 426 children who died mercilessly from symptoms related to chemical gas exposure. I am now prepared, after careful consideration of these classified documents, to support President Obama's request to use limited and targeted strikes to deter the future use of chemical weapons."
Source: Patch.com
Date: 9/2/2013
Undecided
As of 9/6/2013
Rep. Waters
Quote: "I am pleased that President Obama is seeking congressional authorization before taking limited military action in Syria. There are still many unanswered questions, such as what limited military action would entail, what will be the targets, what United States national interests are at stake, whether President Obama has pursued all possible diplomatic alternatives to military action, and whether military action by the U.S. will have the support of the international community. I am also deeply concerned about how U.S. military action will impact the civilian population of Syria. I will continue to listen to the concerns of my constituents and evaluate information from the Administration, as well as look forward to the completion of the United Nations investigation before making a final decision."
Source: Spokesperson
Date: 9/4/2013
Undecided
As of 9/6/2013
Rep. Waxman
Quote: "I don't see the purpose of a strike against Syria for using chemical weapons. It would only show our unhappiness for their use of chemical weapons on their own people. I think not much can be accomplished by such a strike. I do think the President should ask Congress for approval for any action on Syria of a military nature. I don't see what can be accomplished. I think we ought to ask what happens next after we attack Syria. If they use chemical weapons again, do we attack them again? Why are we doing this on our own and not with the rest of the international community?"
Source: Interview with KPCC
Date: 8/30/2013