April 07, 2017

Manchin Statement on Airstrikes in Syria

 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the air strikes in Syria.  

“Earlier this week, the world watched the devastating effects of chemicals weapons on innocent civilians and children after the Syrian regime decided to use these outlawed weapons against its own people. This isn’t the first time they have committed such a heinous crime. Four years ago, they attacked their people with chemical weapons and at that time, we believed there was a diplomatic solution. In 2013, I authored legislation and brokered an agreement that forced Assad and Russia to comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention and destroy all chemical weapons stockpiles and production facilities in a transparent way. But Assad and Russia have clearly broken that agreement and that trust, which is why I fully support the air strikes against the Syrian air base last night.

“After a decade of war in the Middle East, I continue to believe we must carefully consider the implications of any escalation and should only commit American military might if there is a direct threat to our national security, but yesterday’s strike was important to send a message to the Syrian regime and their Russian enablers that these horrific actions will not be tolerated. As this situation develops, I also continue to believe that the President needs Congressional approval before moving forward with any direct military intervention.” 

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