Public Media from Michigan State University

Michigan Rep. Kildee Responds to Airstrikes

U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D) 5th Congressional District of Michigan
Courtesy - Office of Congressman Dan Kildee

A Michigan congressman said President Donald Trump's ordering of strikes against Syria was appropriate but the President should come to congress for any other military reaction. 

Michigan Representative Dan Kildee (D-5th Congressional District) issued a statement hours after President Donald Trump issued military strikes on Syria late Thursday night. The attack of 60 missiles hit an air base where U.S. officials said the Syrian military launched a deadly chemical attack earlier this week.

Rep. Kildee said President Trump's actions were acceptable but he must come to Congress for future actions.  He issued the following statement:

"At this time, the military strike in Syria appears to be a limited and appropriate response to Assad's use of chemical weapons on his own people. The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war. Thus, if the President seeks further U.S. military involvement in Syria, he must come to Congress and ask for an Authorization for the Use of Military Force. The people I represent deserve a debate in Congress over the scope, size and strategy of any additional military action in the Middle East.

"Finally, any military or diplomatic intervention has to be coupled with increased humanitarian support, including providing refuge for those victims of terror fleeing Assad's brutal dictatorship."

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