Politics & Government

Runyan: 'Strong Concerns' About Military Action in Syria

The congressman says U.S. involvement must be fully debated.

Written by Daniel Nee

Rep. Jon Runyan said Tuesday that he has "strong concerns" about the U.S. engaging in military actions in Syria, though he neither opposed nor endorsed American involvement in the ongoing conflict there.

"First, and most importantly, the senseless slaughter of innocent Syrian men, women, and children seemingly at the hands of their own government is an absolute tragedy," Runyan, a Republican, said in a statement issued Tuesday. "It is something the global community should condemn in the strongest possible terms."

Runyan said he believes President Barack Obama is doing the right thing by seeking congressional authorization before using military force in Syria, and that he was among a number of lawmakers who urged the White House to do so.

He also expressed his own concerns.

"As Congress reviews the evidence and begins debate, I know both Republicans and Democrats will have strong concerns about U.S. engagement in what many view as a civil war, and whether doing so is truly in our national security interests," Runyan said. "Additionally, after weekend briefings with the House Armed Services Committee, I also have strong concerns regarding our Military Readiness based on the fact that billions of dollars have been slashed from the DoD budget - which is just one reason why we must fully debate the issues at hand."

Going forward without such a debate, he said, would be "shortsighted."


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