Schakowsky statement on Trump Administration's reaction to Syrian chemical weapons attack.

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement after President Donald Trump ordered and carried out a cruise missile strike targeting a Syrian military airfield last night:

“I am outraged and devastated by the Assad regime’s chemical slaughter of innocent children and families in Syria. This attack on innocent civilians cannot go unaddressed. The latest atrocities of the Assad regime demand a strong response.

“Last night’s missile strikes are by no means a solution to the ongoing conflict. President Trump must engage with Congress to develop a clear, comprehensive strategy for the U.S. role in dealing with Syria. Any further U.S. military action in Syria by law would require Congressional approval and passage of a new Authorization of the Use of Military Force. Congress should be called back immediately to debate that. In the meantime, I call on President Trump to abandon his cruel ban on Syrian refugees seeking safety from the deadly situation in their country.

I also call on the international community to condemn the crimes of the Assad regime against the Syrian people. The failure of the United Nations Security Council to do so is unconscionable. The U.S. must actively engage with our allies to respond to Assad’s ongoing massacre of Syrians and seek a diplomatic resolution to the violence.”