Velazquez on U.S. Military Strike in Syria

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the military strike in Syria:

"The use of chemical weapons in Syria must be condemned in the strongest terms. There is no moral or legal justification for those atrocities.

"I do have concerns that additional U.S. military action could inflame the conflict and further destabilize the region. The President owes Congress and the American people a clear explanation of what his strategy is moving forward.

"Moreover, the President's decision to act unilaterally raises questions related to Authorization of Military Force. Under our Constitution, only Congress can declare war and any more military action must be considered by Congress.

"Finally, I would note that we cannot turn our back on the refugees fleeing that part of the world. I will continue pressing the Administration to rethink its policies blocking refugees seeking entry to the United States."

# # #