Two of Wisconsin’s congressional delegates – a Democrat and a Republican – agree on how they think the United States should proceed with regard to military action in Syria: involve Congress.
President Barack Obama said in an interview Wednesday with “PBS Newshour” that he has not made a decision on U.S. intervention. Senior U.S. government officials had said earlier this week that a military strike could begin as early as Thursday.
Talks of military action against Syria ramped up after allegations surfaced last week that Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of civilians in a recent chemical weapons attack in Damascus. Obama says his administration has concluded that the incident took place.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, of Madison, said he is calling on Obama to follow the War Powers Act of 1973 and get congressional approval to launch a strike against Syria.
“Before we decide to intervene in another civil war or another country without a direct attack on the United States or something else that would go around the law, you have to bring Congress in to have a full debate before we put American lives at risk,” says Pocan.
Pocan says unilateral military action at this time would be premature given that the United Nations is still investigating the alleged chemical attack, and that Congress has not been presented with any evidence – only the White House’s word.
Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Petri, of Fond du Lac, agreed with Pocan in that any action against Syria needs to be thought through carefully and not made in haste.
“We’re not being attacked,” said Petri. “It’s not necessary for us to act without congressional debate.”
Petri also said Obama could call Congress back into special session to discuss the evidence of the reported chemical attack and the various options to take in response, an action he says Americans would appreciate.
“People would feel good even if they disagreed with the ultimate decision, if there was a good open discussion of it before we got involved,” said Petri.
Both Pocan and Petri, who appeared on "The Joy Cardin Show," said they’ve signed a letter to Obama recommending he involve Congress with the decision-making process. Pocan said he’s hopeful the letter will be released on Thursday.
