Politics

Syria: Where do your members of Congress stand?

Kitty Felde, Nuran Alteir, Monica Luhar, Brian Frank & Chris Keller | Updated Sept. 9, 2013

Members of Congress return Sept. 9 for closed door security briefings on Syria. Many lawmakers - including several members of the California delegation - have weighed in on whether the U.S. should take military action against Syria following allegations of a chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime against civilians. The debate has been anything but partisan. Democrats and Republicans are equally divided over how the U.S. should respond. Their stances have also become more nuanced, with legislators divided over multiple options: stay out of Syria's business, increase diplomatic pressure, or carry out a limited strike. We reached out to the California delegation on Capitol Hill to find out how they're leaning on the question that lies at the heart of this debate: Are you for or against some form of military action in Syria?

Likely Yes

As of 9/4/2013

Sen._Barbara_Boxer

Sen. Boxer

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-California)

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._Dianne_Feinstein

Sen. Feinstein

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California)

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._Karen_Bass

Rep. Bass

Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles)

Congressional District: 37


Likely Yes

As of 9/5/2013

Rep._Xavier_Becerra

Rep. Becerra

Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Los Angeles)

Congressional District: 34

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._Ami_Bera

Rep. Bera

Rep. Ami Bera (D-Sacramento)

Congressional District: 7

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._Julia_Brownley

Rep. Brownley

Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Ventura)

Congressional District: 26

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._Ken_Calvert

Rep. Calvert

Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Riverside)

Congressional District: 42

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


X

Likely No

As of 9/4/2013

Rep._John_Campbell

Rep. Campbell

Rep. John Campbell (R-Irvine)

Congressional District: 45

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._Lois_Capps

Rep. Capps

Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara)

Congressional District: 24

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._Tony_Cardenas

Rep. Cardenas

Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-North Hollywood, Sun Valley)

Congressional District: 29

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._Judy_Chu

Rep. Chu

Rep. Judy Chu (D-El Monte)

Congressional District: 27

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._Paul_Cook

Rep. Cook

Rep. Paul Cook (R-Barstow)

Congressional District: 8

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._Jim_Costa

Rep. Costa

Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno)

Congressional District: 16

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_Susan_Davis

Rep Davis

Rep Susan Davis (D-San Diego)

Congressional District: 53

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


X

Likely No

As of 9/6/2013

Rep._Jeff_Denham

Rep. Denham

Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Fresno)

Congressional District: 10

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._Anna_Eshoo

Rep. Eshoo

Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Palo Alto)

Congressional District: 18

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


X

Likely No

As of 9/5/2013

Rep._Sam_Farr

Rep. Farr

Rep. Sam Farr (D-Santa Cruz)

Congressional District: 20

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


X

Likely No

As of 9/5/2013

Rep._John_Garamendi

Rep. Garamendi

Rep. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek)

Congressional District: 3

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


X

Likely No

As of 9/5/2013

Rep._Janice_Hahn

Rep. Hahn

Rep. Janice Hahn (D-San Pedro)

Congressional District: 44

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._Mike_Honda

Rep. Honda

Rep. Mike Honda (D-San Jose)

Congressional District: 17

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


X

Likely No

As of 9/5/2013

Rep._Jared_Huffman

Rep. Huffman

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael)

Congressional District: 2

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


X

Likely No

As of 9/5/2013

Rep._Duncan_Hunter

Rep. Hunter

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon)

Congressional District: 50

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._Darrell_Issa

Rep. Issa

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista)

Congressional District: 49

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


X

Likely No

As of 9/5/2013

Rep._Doug_LaMalfa

Rep. LaMalfa

Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Redding)

Congressional District: 1

Quote: "The crisis in Syria does not directly threaten our nation and should receive careful consideration by Congress prior to any military involvement."


X

Likely No

As of 9/5/2013

Rep._Barbara_Lee

Rep. Lee

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland)

Congressional District: 13

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._Zoe_Lofgren

Rep. Lofgren

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

Congressional District: 19

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_Alan_Lowenthal

Rep Lowenthal

Rep Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach)

Congressional District: 47

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._Doris_Matsui

Rep. Matsui

Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento)

Congressional District: 6

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._Kevin_McCarthy

Rep. McCarthy

Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield)

Congressional District: 23

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


X

Likely No

As of 9/5/2013

Rep._Tom_McClintock

Rep. McClintock

Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Granite Bay)

Congressional District: 4

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._Buck_McKeon

Rep. McKeon

Rep. Buck McKeon (R-Santa Clarita)

Congressional District: 25

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._Jerry_McNerney

Rep. McNerney

Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton)

Congressional District: 9

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._Gary_Miller

Rep. Miller

Rep. Gary Miller (R-San Bernardino)

Congressional District: 31

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._George_Miller

Rep. Miller

Rep. George Miller (D-Martinez)

Congressional District: 11

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


X

Likely No

As of 9/3/2013

Rep._Grace_Napolitano

Rep. Napolitano

Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Santa Fe Springs)

Congressional District: 32

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._Gloria_Negrete McLeod

Rep. Negrete McLeod

Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Ontario)

Congressional District: 35

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


X

Likely No

As of 9/5/2013

Rep._Devin_Nunes

Rep. Nunes

Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare)

Congressional District: 22

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._Nancy_Pelosi

Rep. Pelosi

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco)

Congressional District: 12

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._Scott_Peters

Rep. Peters

Rep. Scott Peters (D-San Diego)

Congressional District: 52

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


X

Likely No

As of 9/4/2013

Rep._Dana_Rohrabacher

Rep. Rohrabacher

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Huntington Beach)

Congressional District: 48

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._Lucille_Roybal-Allard

Rep. Roybal-Allard

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Commerce)

Congressional District: 40

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._Ed_Royce

Rep. Royce

Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton)

Congressional District: 39

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._Raul_Ruiz

Rep. Ruiz

Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Palm Springs)

Congressional District: 36

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._Linda_Sanchez

Rep. Sanchez

Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Lakewood)

Congressional District: 38

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._Loretta_Sanchez

Rep. Sanchez

Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Anaheim)

Congressional District: 46

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._Adam_Schiff

Rep. Schiff

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Glendale)

Congressional District: 28

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._Brad_Sherman

Rep. Sherman

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks)

Congressional District: 30

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._Jackie_Speier

Rep. Speier

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo)

Congressional District: 14

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._Eric_Swalwell

Rep. Swalwell

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Livermore)

Congressional District: 15

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._Mark_Takano

Rep. Takano

Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside)

Congressional District: 41

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._Mike_Thompson

Rep. Thompson

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena)

Congressional District: 5

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._David_Valadao

Rep. Valadao

Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford)

Congressional District: 21

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._Juan_Vargas

Rep. Vargas

Rep. Juan Vargas (D-Chula Vista)

Congressional District: 51

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._Maxine_Waters

Rep. Waters

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles)

Congressional District: 43

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._Henry_Waxman

Rep. Waxman

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles)

Congressional District: 33

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


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