By using chemical weapons against innocent civilians, Bashar al-Assad has added to the extraordinary human toll of the civil war in Syria in the most gruesome and heinous of ways. These atrocities cry out for the world to take a stand against this reign of terror. This rightfully aggressive and surgical airstrike will help cripple Assad’s ability to use poison gas against his own people and send a decisive message to would-be villains the world over. Beyond this necessary strike by America and her allies, I urge the Administration to consult with Congress in developing a robust, comprehensive strategy to defeat terror in the region and abroad.

I commend the brave men and women of our Armed Forces for carrying out their mission to keep Americans safe and the world free.