Rep. Kyrsten Sinema wants Congress more involved in decision to strike in Syria

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona released a statement Friday saying she wants more time regarding Syria and for Congress to be more involved in the U.S.’s decision to strike.

Sinema said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime’s use of chemical weapons against civilians “demand attention from the world community.”

However, Sinema said she sees no reason for an immediate attack in Syria. She said she wants the White House to share more information about its intentions before Congress decides whether action is needed in the Middle Eastern country.

“Like many Americans, I await specific information detailing what potential action the administration is considering. I intend to evaluate whether any proposed action will protect and advance American goals and interests once I have been briefed by national security officials.

“The international community supports the Syrian people’s aspirations for freedom, democracy and dignity. However, I have serious concerns that greater involvement – such as a military strike – may force the United States into a larger military role, putting our servicemembers in harm’s way. Given the limited information that has been provided thus far, I believe there is no guarantee that such risk will produce a positive outcome for the safety and security of our country.

“The President and the administration should provide a classified briefing to all members of Congress, not just key officials, and I expect such an update to allow time for questions and detailed answers. My colleagues and I require the facts in order to develop informed opinions about the best course of action ahead, and the American people expect their elected representatives to have all the available information when considering issues of this magnitude.”