Sherman Statement on Syria Resolution

Congressman Brad Sherman, a senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of the Terrorism and Non-Proliferation Subcommittee, released the following statement concerning Syria.

“In marked contrast to the U.S. involvement in Libya, the President has decided to seek a Congressional resolution before using military force. I commend the President for seeking such an authorization.

“I support doing what the President has said he would like to do in Syria, namely, a limited military action against the Assad regime designed to punish and deter the use of chemical weapons. I cannot support the text of the resolution the President has proposed.

“While the President makes the case for limited action, the resolution he proposes is without limits. The proposed resolution would give the President the authority to act with no limit on the duration of our involvement and it would authorize all types of military action, including boots-on-the-ground. We cannot give the President a blank check.

“Congress should not choose between doing nothing and passing the blank-check resolution the President has submitted.

“Congress should authorize action for up to sixty days and provide expedited consideration of any further Presidential request for further authorization. Congress should also consider limiting its authorization to air and naval action, prohibiting boots-on-the-ground, except as necessary to rescue U.S. servicemen.

Sherman has proposed two amendments to the President’s draft (below).

Sherman Amendments to Syria Resolution

Amendment I

Nothing in this resolution authorizes any military action undertaken more than sixty days after enactment. Congress shall consider a resolution to authorize the use of force, beyond that authorized by this Resolution, pursuant to the procedures described in Section 6 of the War Powers Resolution of 1973.

Amendment II

Nothing in this resolution authorizes the deployment of ground forces in Syria, except for limited efforts to rescue American personnel.

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