SHAHEEN STATEMENT ON COMMITTEE VOTE TO AUTHORIZE LIMITED USE OF FORCE IN SYRIA

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement after voting for a resolution in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee authorizing limited military force in Syria:

“Authorizing the President to use military force anywhere in the world is a solemn and serious responsibility and the decision to undertake military action is not one I take lightly.  Failing to take action against the Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons poses a significant and direct threat to American national security interests. I am mindful that there are many people in New Hampshire and throughout the country who are war weary and concerned about the consequences of the use of military force. I share their concerns, but based on my strong belief that we must deter the spread and use of weapons of mass destruction, I am convinced we must take this limited military action against the Assad regime’s military capabilities.

“The resolution I voted for is limited in time and scope and does not authorize American troops on the ground.  Rather, it permits an appropriate response to Assad’s international weapons violations that will rightfully signal to his and other regimes, like those in Iran and North Korea, that the United States will not tolerate the use of weapons of mass destruction. I believe that this type of targeted, proportionate response will best protect our national security interests.”