West Michigan Congressman Justin Amash says he wants the House to go back into session to address potential military action against Syria.
A U.S. military strike is expected in the next few days in response to the Syrian government’s alleged use of chemical weapons against civilians.
Amash told a group at a Battle Creek coffee shop today that the president must consult with Congress first.
“If the president intends to use force, we expect to be called back into session,” says Amash, “We demand we be called back into session to have a vote.”
Amash, along with Michigan Representatives Kerry Bentivolio and Dan Benishek are among more than 90 Republicans and Democratic congressmen who’ve signed a letter demanding Congress be consulted before military action is taken.
Amash said he’s concerned that the U.S. would be getting involved in a conflict with “bad guys on both sides”.
“I think it would be grave mistake to jump in on the side of forces that may actually win the battle and turn against us,” says Amash.
Amash calls the Assad government as an “evil, tyrannical regime” But he says the Syrian rebels include groups linked to Al Qaida.
He says he's seen no evidence of an "imminent threat" to the United States.
