Politics & Government

Tom Price Issues Statement on Syria

The Congressman has not indicated whether he supports military action. Price represents parts of Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and other parts of North Fulton.

Originally posted and written by Wendy Parker 

U.S. Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) said Tuesday that while he applauds President Barack Obama for consulting Congress on possible U.S. strikes against Syria, he also must "coherently present his rationale and strategic goals that may be accomplished by his plan."

In an e-mail blast issued around 10:45 Tuesday morning, the Sixth District Congressman declared that "we condemn the horrific murder of innocent people in Syria."

But Price also said "there is a real question as to whether or not any action short of a regime change in Syria can effectively address America's interests."

Last week Price -- whose district includes East Cobb, north Fulton, north DeKalb and parts of Gwinnett and Sandy Springs -- was among more than 100 members of Congress of both parties signing a letter asking that Obama consult Congress before taking any action.

The president and Secretary of State John Kerry have advocated what they call targeted and limited attacks in response to recent Syrian government military attacks with chemical weapons that killed more than 1,400 civilians.

U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, favors an American attack, as does House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.

Georgia's two Republican senators, Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss, also appear to favor the strikes

At the end of his statement, Price asked constituents to share their thoughts with his office

Here's the text of his full statement: 

This past week, President Obama announced that he had made a decision that military action in response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria is necessary. In a public address, the President also stated that he decided to seek congressional approval for such action. This new-found interest in what Congress thinks about anything is enormously welcome, and Congress will respond. It will require, however, that the president coherently present his rationale and strategic goals that may be accomplished by his plan. 

While we condemn the horrific murder of innocent people within Syria, the United States must determine whether or not our national security interest is best served by military intervention.

It has been my firm stance that a vote must be taken in Congress to authorize the use of military force. That is why I joined a bipartisan group of more than 100 Members of Congress on a letter dated August 28, 2013 to President Obama demanding that he seek Congressional approval for military action.

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President Obama imposed his self-determined "red line" over a year ago warning Syria that action would follow the use of chemical weapons. He then ignored the use of those same weapons this past spring and no resolution from Congress was requested or made. Leading from behind has consequences. There is a real question as to whether or not any action short of a regime change in Syria can effectively address America's interests.  

Congress will thoughtfully and deliberately evaluate information presented by the administration over the next week and vote on a resolution. This is a very serious question. Please share with my office any thoughts you have on this important issue.

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Where do you stand on American military strikes in Syria? Let us know in the comments.


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