Tipsheet

Congressman Rigell to Obama on Syria: Slow Down

Reports show the United States is ready to use military force against Syrian President Assad's regime at any moment, but Rep. Scott Rigell has written a letter to President Obama asking for a slow down in the process and to include Congress before taking action.

"We strongly urge you to consult and receive authorization from Congress before ordering the use of U.S. military force in Syria. Your responsibility to do so is prescribed in the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973," the letter states. "If you deem that military action in Syria is necessary, Congress can reconvene at your request. We stand ready to come back into session, consider the facts before us, and share the burden of decisions made regarding U.S. involvement in the quickly escalating Syrian conflict." 

Rigell represents Virginia's 2nd congressional district, the district with the highest density of military personnel. He is currently collecting signatures from both Democrats and Republicans for the letter.