Jayapal Statement on Trump Airstrikes in Syria
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal released the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes in Syria:
“President Trump has just conducted another set of unconstitutional strikes. He does not have the power to take these actions without consulting Congress. Only Congress – not the White House – has the power to declare war.
“Tonight’s airstrikes are not a long term plan to resolve the Syrian crisis, and they will do little to stop a dictator like Assad from repeating his crimes against humanity.
“We need a considered, debated, real strategy to end the violence in Syria and protect innocent people from dying. These airstrikes are not only unconstitutional, they are dangerously escalating a conflict that could send us into a war with multiple countries.
“This is a debate that must take place in Congress immediately, and we should be clear that the President has exceeded the authority afforded to him by the Constitution.”