Washington, DC (September 10, 2013) – This evening, U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement in response to the President’s primetime address to the nation on Syria:
“The civil war in Syria is not a place for American involvement,” said Pearce. “The American soldier has sacrificed enough, and the American taxpayer has footed the bill for too long. It is time for other countries to shoulder the burden. Over the past few years, with revolutions throughout the Middle East, we have seen greater instability. The President has stated publicly that a change in the Syrian regime is necessary, but I’m afraid that greater American involvement will only make it more unstable.
“The Russian government does not have American interests at heart, so I view their proposal with grave skepticism,” Pearce continued. “Although I fundamentally disagree with American intervention, and am glad to see the President rethinking a military strike, any diplomatic solution must yield tangible results that benefit the people of Syria and our allies in the region.”
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Washington, DC (September 10, 2013) – Responding to an overwhelming outcry from New Mexicans against action in Syria, U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce today cosponsored H.J. Res. 58. The resolution prohibits the use of funds available to any United States Government department or agency for the use of force in, or directed at, Syria by the United States Armed Forces.
“American soldiers and their families have sacrificed enough,” said Pearce. “American taxpayers have given enough. The rest of the world needs to step up—America cannot fight every battle. My office has heard from over a thousand New Mexicans, overwhelmingly opposed to any U.S. military action in Syria,” said Pearce. “While I commend the President for adhering to the Constitution and promising not to act without Congressional approval, I cannot support his desired course. It is the responsibility of Congress to use its constitutional authority to prevent this impulsive and misguided intervention.”
The legislation uses Congress’ power of the purse to prohibit any funding for the use of force in, or directed at, Syria by the United States, except in the case of a subsequent act of Congress specifically authorizing such use of force, or an attack or imminent attack on the United States.
The full text of the resolution can be viewed here.
