Congress will decide whether to approve President Obama's request to use military force in Syria when it returns to session next week . The request is raising concerns among members of Ohio's Congressional delegation. Emily McCord of member station WYSO in Yellow Springs reports.
President Obama made his case over the weekend for a limited military strike against Syria after mounting evidence that President Bashar Assad used chemical weapons. Republican Senator Rob Portman, says he could support a limited strike, but he think the United States shouldn’t go it alone, if at all.
I do know at this point I cannot support us getting directly involved in that civil war, certainly not having boots on the ground. I think that would be a mistake.
In Dayton this week, Republican congressman Mike Turner was adamant that he’ll vote no on any military action against Syria
TURNER: The President hasn’t made the case. I mean, certainly he has the opportunity to, the doors open. I think other members of congress are also listening. But right now, I think the mood in Congress is not to support this, and I certainly can’t support it.
Turner feels strongly that sequestration is burdening the US military and until its ended, he wont support the President’s call to action. Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown hasn’t indicated how he’ll vote yet, but he says in a statement he’s wants to build international support and is encouraged the President asked for Congress’ approval on the decision.