Reaction To Obama’s Decision On Action Against Syria

President Obama's decision to seek Congressional approval for any action against Syria drew some reaction from New Jersey's congressional delegation and candidates.

Senator Robert Menendez (D)

“The mass atrocity committed by the Assad regime in grave violation of international law is searing to the soul and blinding to the eye," Menendez (D-N.J.) said in a statement to the Star Ledger.

"To allow a despot to gas their population indiscriminately and with impunity is to fail our values and to compromise our freedoms. There is no fork in the road before us, there is no ambiguity to the evidence, for the use of chemical weapons against the innocent brings us to a point of no return. The Syrian regime and others like it must understand that red lines are indelible, that our foes should never question the resolve of the United States. We say what we mean, we mean what we say, and we don't look away when undeniable war crimes are committed."

Congressman Rob Andrews (D-1st congressional district)

"The president has correctly decided to go to the Congress for authorization for any strike against Syria. I will review all of the relevant intelligence, listen to my constituents and evaluate what is right for the security of the country," he said in a statement to the Star Ledger. . "I enter this process very skeptical that we should involve our troops in the middle of anyone's civil war. I welcome all views and opinions as we go forward."

Congressman Rush Holt (D - 12th congressional district)

"The President is right to seek Congressional approval for any use of military force. I share his outrage over the atrocities taking place in Syria, and I will carefully review any and all materials he provides to Congress. I will expect, at the very least, to see clear evidence that a military strike would achieve well-defined objectives and would not escalate into another endless, costly, and ineffective American war.

"Let's be absolutely clear. The approval of Congress is not a formality that the president may seek or ignore as he so pleases. Our constitution gives Congress the sole authority to declare war.”

Steve Lonegan, candidate in New Jersey's special Senate election

"Intervening in another country's civil war should not be a unilateral decision. I am pleased that President Obama has decided to seek Congressional approval before engaging in Syria.

"It is now up to the people to push their representatives in Congress to act responsibly. I will be calling Senators Menendez and Chiesa and Representative Garrett to insist that they do not vote in favor of military action, and I urge every American to call their representatives in Congress.

"As a U.S. Senator, I would vote not to launch missiles into Syria."