SHARE

Local Pols Approve Of Strikes On Syria, But Say Trump Should Have A Plan

While Thursday night's airstrikes on Syria drew approval, Westchester's representatives in Washington said they want President Donald Trump to have a plan to deal with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Nita Lowey and Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney all issued statements following the strikes in Syria.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Nita Lowey and Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney all issued statements following the strikes in Syria.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The strikes on a Syrian military airfield came after Assad used chemical weapons on his own people.

“Making sure Assad knows that when he commits such despicable atrocities he will pay a price is the right thing to do," Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said. “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.”

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) said unilateral military action by the US in a Middle Eastern conflict without a long term plan or strategy caused her grave concern.

"There is no ‘military only’ solution to the suffering in Syria," Gillibrand said. "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.”

Rep. Nita Lowey (D-Harrison) said the strike was a measured response to deter further use of chemical weapons.

"However, this strike will not solve the Syrian crisis nor provide humanitarian assistance to millions of Syrians so desperately in need," Lowey said. "“President Trump must now present to the American people and Armed Forces a comprehensive, long-term strategy for ending the Syrian crisis, providing stability to the region, removing Assad, and holding him accountable for his crimes.”

Rep. Sean Maloney (D-Cold Spring) said the strikes were a targeted and proportionate response but the US cannot conduct foreign policy on an ad hoc basis.

“If the President wants to take expanded military action in Syria, he must get a formal Authorization for the Use of Military Force from Congress," Maloney said. "Members of Congress should have to stand up and be counted before we commit to a wider conflict in Syria. In addition, any plan to increase our military role in this conflict has to include a clear mission objective and exit strategy and it needs the support of the American people.”

to follow Daily Voice Harrison and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE