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U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Cascade Township, tweeted Saturday that President Barack Obama "hasn't come close" to justifying war in Syria. Amash was reacting to Obama's announcement that he would seek congressional approval for a military strike against that country.

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — U.S. Rep. Justin Amash on Saturday argued President Barack Obama "hasn't come close" to justifying war against Syria despite allegations the country's leaders used chemical weapons on its own citizens.

Amash, R-Cascade Township, tweeted his stance after Obama announced he would seek congressional approval for any action.

"Pres Obama hasn't come close to justifying war in #Syria," Amash tweeted. "I look forward to this debate. Pres must comply w/ vote of Congress; not optional."

Obama's announcement came after widespread speculation he might, without lawmakers' approval, give the go-ahead to strike unspecified Syrian targets.

The administration has said unequivocally that Syrian President Bashar Assad ordered the gassing of more than 1,400 Syrians, including hundreds of children.

During his remarks Saturday in the White House's Rose Garden, Obama pondered what message it would send to allow that alleged action to go unpunished.

And, despite saying he would seek congressional approval before striking Syria, Obama indicted U.S. forces could lash out at any time.

"The military has positioned assets in the region. We are prepared to strike whenever we choose," Obama said, "and I am prepared to give that order."

In a joint statement Saturday, House Republican leaders said the issue would not be debated and voted on until Congress returns in early September.

Amash and Huizenga, like their colleagues, have been on recess for some weeks. During the break, Amash called on Obama to consult Congress on Syria.

In a tweet earlier this week, Amash argued it would be "unquestionably unconstitutional" for Obama to act without congressional approval.

Amash tweeted "Thank you, Mr President," shortly after Obama's announcement, but tempered that gratitude with a swipe in another tweet.

"It's unfortunate that it's gotten to the point where I have to thank the President for following the Constitution & the law," Amash tweeted.

For his part, Huizenga has urged caution before proceeding with a strike against Syria.

During a taping for public access news channel West Michigan Week on Wednesday, Aug. 28, Huizenga argued the Arab League should be more involved with talks on Syria.

The League, which has nearly two-dozen member countries, was set to meet Sunday in Egypt to discuss intervention, according to reports.

Zane McMillin is a government, weather and breaking news reporter for MLive.com and The Grand Rapids Press. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.