Congress sends weapons to Syria, shucks responsibility on wider war
This website knows which way your Representative and Senators voted, so that you can easily send the appropriate emails just by clicking below. Passed by House and Senate on September 17 and 18: "The Secretary of Defense is authorized, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to provide assistance, including training, equipment, supplies, and sustainment, to appropriately vetted elements of the Syrian opposition." |
Background: House Vote Roll Call Senate Vote Roll Call Text of H.J.Res.124 (See Sec. 149) Marjorie Cohn: Obama Declares Perpetual War David Swanson: Warning to War Supporters Josh Rogin: Syrian Rebels: We'll Use U.S. Weapons to Fight Assad Ryan Grim and Sam Stein: CIA Privately Skeptical Weapons Transfer Agreements to the Near East |
Said Congressman Jim McDermott, who voted No:
"This amendment, which is valid only through early December, serves as nothing more than a faux authorization designed to get Congress through the election season. Moreover, it addresses only one aspect of the strategy the President outlined last week. That is not a responsible way to conduct public policy."