McGovern Statement on Trump’s Airstrike on Syria

Washington, April 7, 2017
"Charging into another endless war is not the answer. To finally end the suffering of the Syrian people, Congress must do its job and vote and debate on a bipartisan strategy. We must also ensure that any U.S. military action is not only approved by Congress, but has the backing of our international allies, partners, and the American people.

U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), a senior House Democrat and leading critic of both Republican and Democratic presidents for their increased use of military power, released the following statement on President Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes on Syria.  

In February 2017, Congressman McGovern led a bipartisan group of 19 lawmakers calling for Speaker Ryan to hold a debate and vote on the authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) for current U.S. military operations in the Middle East. In his statement on last night’s U.S. airstrikes against Syria, Congressman McGovern renews that call:  

"Every president must obtain congressional authorization to launch military strikes and President Trump is no exception.

"We all agree that Assad's barbaric bombardment, chemical and military attacks against his own people cannot be allowed to continue. But that does not justify military action without any effort to even consult the American people and their elected representatives in Congress.

"The most recent chemical attacks by Assad on innocent civilians in Syria is a defining moment for the world. The U.S. must start by resuming our refugee resettlement programs and work with a broad international coalition to bring to justice Assad and all who have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"President Trump and the United States must demand that Russia and Vladimir Putin stop bombing the Syrian people and bring an end to this horrific war. We cannot ignore the fact that Putin bears responsibility for Assad remaining in power.

"Charging into another endless war is not the answer. To finally end the suffering of the Syrian people, Congress must do its job and vote and debate on a bipartisan strategy. We must also ensure that any U.S. military action is not only approved by Congress, but has the backing of our international allies, partners, and the American people.

"We have a moral duty to act and we must do so as one country, united in purpose and with a clear strategy to end this conflict once and for all."