Top US lawmakers asked the Congress to act as soon as possible to authorise President Barack Obama's decision to take military action against the Bashar al-Assad regime.
"We believe President Obama is correct that the Assad regime's use of chemical weapons requires a military response by the United States and our friends and allies. Since the President is now seeking Congressional support for this action, the Congress must act as soon as possible," Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham said in a joint statement yesterday.
However, the two influential Senators said that the strikes should bring in regime change in the country.
"Anything short of this would be an inadequate response to the crimes against humanity that Assad and his forces are committing. And it would send the wrong signal to America's friends and allies, the Syrian opposition, the Assad regime, Iran, and the world - all of whom are watching closely what actions America will take," they said.
"This debate will help define how America views its role as a world power. These are issues that should not break down along typical partisan lines, and the debate will provide an opportunity to demonstrate that America's elected leadership can come together to resolve serious issues," said Senator Mark Warner.
"I am encouraged President Obama now says he will fulfil his constitutional obligation to seek authorisation for any potential military action in Syria. This is the most important decision any President or any Senator must make, and it deserves vigorous debate," said Senator Rand Paul.
Looking forward to the Congressional debate, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, said military action in response to Assad's reckless use of deadly gas that is limited in scope and duration, without boots on the ground, is in national security interest and in furtherance of regional stability and global security.
"I am hopeful that Congress will make clear through our decision the enduring strength of our democracy and the deeply held values that continue to make us a moral leader in the world," said the House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer.
Senator Saxby Chambliss, vice chairman of the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, argued that Obama should have already presented Congress with a strategy and objectives for military action, including what impact this will have on our allies and enemies alike in the region.
The president should have demanded Congress return immediately and debate this most serious issue," he said.
Obama's decision came a day after his administration released its intelligence assessment blaming the Assad regime for using chemical weapons against its own people that killed 1,429, including at least 426 children.
