Rep. Davis Statement on Syria

Statement of Congressman Danny K. Davis on Military Intervention in Syria

September 10, 2013

The apparent use of chemical weapons in Syria is a human tragedy and our hearts go out to the families of those who have lost their lives. Much remains unknown about these events as of today and as the Congress is beginning a debate on the issue.

My constituents are deeply concerned about events in Syria and they are searching for an appropriate response which will end the killing and move quickly toward a political solution to the war in Syria. However they are overwhelmingly opposed to U.S. military intervention of any kind. They are concerned about the morality of such action, they are concerned about the legality of such action, they are concerned about the loss of life resulting from such action, they are concerned about the effectiveness, or lack of effectiveness, of such action, they are concerned about such action involving us more deeply in the Civil War in Syria, they are concerned about what follow on conflict such action might trigger, they are concerned about sabotaging a possible agreement with Iran on nuclear weapons, they are concerned about the drawing resources and focus from critical immediate problems here at home. I share all of those concerns and more.

I have been, and remain today, a staunch supporter of President Obama. However, my first responsibility as a Member of Congress is to represent the interests and views of my constituents. Calls, emails, letters and other forms of communication with my office are running 9 to 1 in opposition to any military intervention in Syria at this time. Therefore, I am strongly leaning toward a NO vote on any military intervention. I intend to continue to listen closely to President Obama's statements and to the views of my constituents as this debate proceeds.