Rep. Kinzinger tells Congress that many children were gassed by Assad in August 2013

Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Brendan Boyle (D-PA) formed the first caucus on Syria in the House of Representatives last month. The Friends of a Free, Stable and Democratic Syria Caucus now has 15 members. Surprisingly, Elliot Engel (D-NY) and Keith Ellison (D-MN) who have vocally condemned the Assad regime and supported the Syrian revolution for years are not yet members. Kinzinger’s website reports:

“Today, Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Brendan Boyle (D-PA) announced the newly created ‘Friends of a Free, Stable and Democratic Syria Caucus.’ With 15 current members, this bipartisan caucus is a forum for Members of Congress to discuss the conflict and tragedy in Syria, meet with experts and key personnel for further education on this crisis, and ultimately come together to advance national and international efforts to bring justice and accountability to Syria. Following this announcement, the Congressmen issued the following statements:

“‘Since 2011, over half a million Syrians have been killed by the Assad regime. This conflict will be the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time, and we in the House must do everything we can to speak up on this genocide. Launching this caucus is a step in making an impact, and an opportunity to shed light on the reality of this war and the crimes against humanity taking place each and every day. I’m proud to lead this effort and look forward to providing Members of Congress with a forum to understand the complex situation on the ground in Syria and ways we can bring a lasting and durable peace to the country.’ — Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL)

“‘The conflict in Syria has steadily deteriorated over the past six years with no clear options for resolution. I am proud to help further this important, bipartisan forum for discussion and education so that we in Congress can work toward peace for a country that has been absolutely torn apart. Congress must not remain silent on the atrocities of the Assad regime and the resulting refugee crisis that has engulfed the Middle East and Europe.’ — Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA)

NOTE: The full list of members, in addition to Reps. Kinzinger and Boyle, are listed below:

Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL)

Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV)

Rep. André Carson (D-IN)

Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH)

Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO)

Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA)

Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN)

Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC)

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI)

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX)

Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL)

Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI)

Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO)