Dear Bill,
I really appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts with me concerning a potential United States military response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria. After attending classified briefings, hearing testimony directly from Secretaries Kerry and Hagel and General Dempsey, and listening to the President's address to the nation on September 10th, I remain extremely skeptical that it is in our nation's best interest to pursue a military strike.
As a nation, we have long recognized that the use of chemical weapons is deplorable. This is something we can all agree on. My concern, and that of many Members of Congress and the American people, is whether or not the President has formulated a plan that would credibly end their use in Syria - and I am not convinced that he has such a plan.
Since the most recent reports came out of Syria detailing the Assad regime's use of chemical weapons, the President and his administration have said that striking Syria and getting involved in a brutal civil war is in our national interest. However, the President has failed to tell us exactly what these strikes would accomplish. Additionally, I am concerned that the President has not considered the potential repercussions of such an attack - potential retaliation by Russia, Iran, or Hezbollah. I do not think the administration has fully considered the larger picture, or really made the case for President Obama's foreign policy goals in the Middle East.
President Obama and his administration have spent several weeks trying to convince Members of Congress and the American people about the urgency and necessity of a vote on a military strike. But the President continues to give mixed messages - first saying that a strike on Syria was both necessary and urgent, and then saying that we should hold off. This is more of the same confused foreign policy we have come to expect from this administration, and I cannot support a strike which has no real plan or clear-cut goals.
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I will be examining the volatile situation in Syria carefully and thoroughly, as factual information continues to come forth. Once again, I really appreciate you taking the time to contact me and I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind as the situation develops.
I always enjoy reading thoughtful letters from my constituents. If you prefer laptops to letters, I'll do my best to keep you updated through Twitter and Facebook, my website and e-newsletter. I will continue to count on you to be my extra set of eyes and ears in the 13th Congressional District – please keep in touch.
Sincerely,
George Holding
Member of Congress