Statement on President Obama’s Address to the Nation on Syria

Washington, DC (September 10, 2013) — Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement following President Obama's address to the nation on Syria:

"I strongly believe a diplomatic solution is the best way to end Syrian use of chemical weapons. The Russian proposal, first suggested by the Obama Administration, should be fully explored. The U.S. threat of military action is the only reason Syria is even considering this solution.

"If that fails, we should consider the option of a limited strike because I believe the use of chemical weapons must be a "red line" for humanity and that we must act. As a Jew whose people were gassed as the world stood by, I think the U.S. can save innocent lives by deterring the use of chemical weapons.

"President Obama tonight made a clear and compelling case as to why we cannot sit by as the Assad regime uses chemical weapons against its people. Failure to act would send a dangerous message not just to the Syrian government but to anyone who might consider the use of chemical weapons in the future — including against U.S. military men and women. I am glad that the President has chosen to come to Congress and to reach out to the American public. I agree with his stand against the use of chemical weapons, and I hope that his efforts to reach a diplomatic solution will be successful."

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