The president’s speech last night on Syria is drawing mixed reactions from Michigan’s Congressional delegation.
Senator Carl Levin says the president “made a forceful and persuasive case” for confronting the Syrian government over its alleged use of chemical weapons against its own citizens. The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee says Congress should approve a resolution authorizing the use of force against Syria as a way of supporting diplomatic efforts.
Congresswoman Candice Miller also supports diplomatic efforts. She says the president has correctly chosen to ask Congress to delay action on the military force authorization. Miller says “More war was never going to solve the issue of Syrian chemical weapons.”
After the speech, Flint Congressman Dan Kildee said he remains on the fence.
“I understand the president’s tactic….it’s logical. But I still continue to hold judgment whether military force ultimately is something I would support,” Kildee said shortly after the president’s speech, “But one thing I absolutely agree with is that we should exhaust all diplomatic channels to try to resolve this whole situation…short of military actions.”
West Michigan congressman Justin Amash slammed the speech, saying the president just restated the same “unpersuasive” arguments he's been making.
Amash adds “Pundits seem unaware that current diplomatic proposal didn't arise until public & Congress effectively took military option off the table.”
