Tsongas Does Not Support Military Intervention in Syria

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas said she has “very grave concerns” about proposed military action in Syria.

Tsongas, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, questioned the “effectiveness and the long-term consequences of US military action in Syria.” She made this statement after a hearing of the committee that included Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Tuesday.

“There is no doubt that over the past two years the humanitarian situation in Syria has become more and more unstable, displacing millions of Syrians due to the ongoing civil war. Furthermore, the reported use of chemical weapons and mass killings in Syria is a deplorable act against humanity, one that we cannot ignore,” Tsongas said in a statement.

“In recent weeks, I have participated in multiple meetings and classified briefings with my colleagues and with designees from the President’s administration to discuss the ongoing crisis in Syria and what role America should play. And, just today, Secretaries Hagel and Kerry and General Dempsey publicly testified before the House Armed Services Committee on which I serve. I appreciate President Obama’s commitment to an open dialogue with Congress and the American people.

“However, I continue to have very grave concerns about the efficacy of proposed U.S. military action in Syria and its consequences. If a vote were to be held today, I would not support U.S. military intervention in Syria. I will continue to support the President’s efforts to partner broadly with the international community to seek diplomatic alternatives.”

See Tsongas’ questioning at the Tuesday’s hearing here.