Congresswoman Lee Condemns President Trump’s Strike Against Syria

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after President Trump launched a military strike against the Syrian government:

“President Trump’s decision to launch military strikes against the Syrian regime – without congressional input or authorization – shows a contempt for the U.S Constitution and is without legal justification. The use of chemical weapons by the Syrian Government against innocent civilians is heinous. I fully support all international accountability mechanisms to prosecute these war crimes and to negotiate a political solution to the war in Syria. But as we’ve seen over the last 16 years, we cannot bomb our way to peace.

“This is not a dictatorship. Congress, not the president, is responsible for debating and authorizing military action. By illegally bombing a sovereign nation, President Trump has once again denied the American people and Congress any oversight or accountability in these endless wars.

“And Congress is not without blame. We have once again failed to do our jobs and debate the costs and consequences of war. I call on Speaker Ryan to hold a debate and vote on an Authorization for the Use of Military Force prior to any additional military action in Syria.