Collins, Schumer support missile strike on Syria
Gillibrand says long-term diplomatic solution needed in Syria
Congressman Chris Collins, R-Clarence, and Sen. Charles Schumer have both issued statement in support of the missile strikes by the United States against Syria last night.
The U.S., on the orders of President Donald Trump, launched 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles from U.S. warships in the eastern Mediterranean. The missiles were directed at the Shayrat airfield, which US officials believe was the base for warplanes that carried out the chemical attack in a rebel-held Syria town of Idlib on Tuesday.
Congressman Chris Collins issued this statement today:
“Bashar al-Assad’s barbaric actions against innocent children and civilians were tolerated for too long. President Trump promised Americans he would stand up to our enemies, and he delivered on that promise. Last night’s military actions demonstrated American strength and leadership. It reassured our allies and let our enemies know the status quo will no longer be tolerated.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y, issued this statement on Thursday night: “Making sure Assad knows that when he commits such despicable atrocities he will pay a price is the right thing to do.”
“It is incumbent on the Trump administration to come up with a strategy and consult with Congress before implementing it. I salute the professionalism and skill of our Armed Forces who took action today.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued this statement on the bombing of an air base in Syria:
“The chemical attacks by the Assad regime in Syria are unconscionable atrocities and a direct violation of international law; these attacks demand a firm response from the U.S. and the world community.”
“However, unilateral military action by the U.S. in a Middle East conflict causes grave concern, given the lack of any Authorization for Use of Military Force from Congress and the absence of any long-term plan or strategy to address any consequences from such unilateral action.”
“Furthermore, 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.”
President Donald Trump, in an address last night, said the missile attack was in response to “Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad” for using a deadly nerve agent “in a very barbaric attack” against helpless men, women and children.
“It is in this vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons,” Trump said. “There can be no dispute that Syria used banned chemical weapons, violated its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, and ignored the urging of the U.N. Security Council.”
“Years of previous attempts at changing Assad’s behavior have all failed, and failed very dramatically. As a result, the refugee crisis continues to deepen and the region continues to destabilize, threatening the United States and its allies.”
“Tonight, I call on all civilized nations to join us in seeking to end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syria, and also to end terrorism of all kinds and all types. We ask for God’s wisdom as we face the challenge of our very troubled world. We pray for the lives of the wounded and for the souls of those who have passed. And we hope that as long as America stands for justice, then peace and harmony will, in the end, prevail.”
(Editor’s Note: This article was updated at 12:27 p.m. to include Gillibrand’s statement.)
