SYRIA; Congressional Record Vol. 159, No. 118

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SYRIA

Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, we rise at a time of great debate here in

this Chamber and in this country about what the appropriate response

should be by the United States to the horrific use of chemical weapons

by the Government of Syria. That is a debate which will unfold over the

next days here. We will see, as the situation continues to develop,

what actually comes to the floor.

But the President of the United States has asked for our input here

in the Senate. Today we are focused on really the most important

question an elected representative is asked to respond to; that is,

whether to commit America to military combat. To that end, we have all

spent time looking over intelligence reports. We have participated in

classified intelligence briefings. I have also had the opportunity to

meet with top members of the administration. From the information I

have received, I do believe the Government of Syria used chemical

weapons against its own people.

I believe an international response is appropriate, but I do not

believe the administration's proposal of a U.S. military strike is the

right answer. There is no guarantee it will prevent Asad's use of

chemical weapons. I do not believe it will end the senseless bloodshed

in Syria. I do not believe it will bring stability to the region that

is so critical to our national security. I do not believe it will

enhance Israel's security. I do not believe, most fundamentally, that

it is nested in a broader strategic plan for the region.

The situation we face in Syria today is partly the result of a failed

foreign policy. It is time for a change of course. We need a

comprehensive long-term strategy first, not a strike and then the

promise of a strategy, which is what the administration has proposed.

\\\`\\\`Strike first, strategy later'' is a recipe for disaster. If the

current resolution comes to the floor as a result, the current

resolution being considered, I would not be able to support it.

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