2. What Republicans are saying on Syria Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA): “I support the President’s responsible action last night. Families should be able to go about their daily lives without fear of terrorism. For the Syrian people living under Assad’s reign of terror, fear is their daily reality. With the administration’s tactical military action last night, we demonstrate that the free world stands against these bad actors. I look forward to hearing more details from the White House and their engagement with Congress on any further action.” Speaker Ryan (R-WI): “Earlier this week the Assad regime murdered dozens of innocent men, women, and children in a barbaric chemical weapons attack. Tonight the United States responded. This action was appropriate and just. These tactical strikes make clear that the Assad regime can no longer count on American inaction as it carries out atrocities against the Syrian people. Resolving the years-long crisis in Syria is a complex task, but Bashar al-Assad must be held accountable and his enablers must be persuaded to change course. I look forward to the administration further engaging Congress in this effort.”



Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA): “I commend our troops for their professionalism in carrying out these strikes. Assad has made his disregard for innocent human life and longstanding norms against chemical weapons use crystal clear. Tonight’s strikes show these evil actions carry consequences.”



Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA)



”The United States sent a clear message that we will not tolerate the slaughter of innocent citizens by the Assad regime ... I support President Trump for taking this strong and measured action.” Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX): “I commend President Trump’s decisive actions in Syria and fundamentally believe that the United States cannot and must not accept the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime on innocent civilians to become the norm. While the U.S. would prefer a political rather than a military solution to this conflict, the fact remains that you cannot negotiate with tyrants. Passiveness in Syria is what has exacerbated this situation and allowed for adversaries such as Russia and Iran to exert their influence at the expense of U.S. national security, all the while allowing ISIS to flourish. Tonight’s military strikes in Syria are a signal to the world that the days of blank threats are long gone and under this Administration credibility will be restored.” - Interview Veterans Affairs Chairman Phil Roe (R-TN): “Earlier this week, a horrific chemical attack conducted by the Assad regime in a rebel-held area of Syria took the lives of dozens of innocent men, women and children. This treachery should not go unpunished, and it did not thanks to President Trump’s leadership and swift and appropriate action. Last night, the United States held Assad accountable and responded with tactical strikes making a clear statement that his continued brutality against innocent civilians will not be tolerated. I applaud President Trump for his expedient action, and I thank the brave men and women of our armed forces who carried out this mission.” Armed Services Chair Thornberry (R-TX): “I support the President’s decision to take military action in Syria. My hope is that this action will help deter future atrocities by the Assad regime.” Rep. Joe Wilson (R- SC): “This Administration was clear―the United States would not tolerate the Syrian dictatorship committing atrocities against its own people. I commend President Donald Trump for his swift action, standing strong to protect American families from future missile attacks.” Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ): “President Trump’s response to Bashar al-Assad’s chemical attack on his own people was justified. The United States must no longer lead from behind. I strongly encourage the President and his National Security Team to fully engage Congress in this effort.” Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY): “This week the world watched in horror as the Assad regime used chemical weapons to murder dozens of men, women and children. The Obama Administration policy towards Syria has failed and we need a new strategy. As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, this will be an important part of our work and I will be monitoring the situation closely with my colleagues.” Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ): “Tonight the United States responded to the atrocities of the Assad regime with measured, yet decisive military action—launching approximately sixty Tomahawk missiles at the Syrian airbase used for recent chemical attacks. I’m proud that I have successfully advocated in Congress to keep the Tomahawk missile line at Raytheon in Tucson open so that this weapon was ready and available when our armed forces needed it. The use of banned and deadly chemical weapons to murder innocent men, women, and children is evil and deserves a just response.” Vice Chair Doug Collins (R-GA): “This week’s chemical attacks in Syria came from a wicked regime that slaughtered its own citizens, including women and children. Inaction has characterized the United States’ response to the Assad government for too long, and last night America took appropriate action. We need a decisive strategy for restoring justice and human rights in Syria, and we in Congress look forward to working with the President to develop that plan.”