Area Congresswoman Seeks Pasadenans’ Input on Syria

Congresswoman Judy Chu Tuesday sought out the voices of her constituents on the proposed U.S. military intervention in the on-going Syria crisis.

“Congress will debate a response for Syria next week, but I want to hear from you right now,” Chu posted on her official Twitter account @RepJudyChu.

President Barack Obama previously asked the Congressional leaders on their thoughts regarding the proposed U.S. intervention after the Syrian government allegedly killed at least 1,400 civilians using chemical weapons.

The survey, which can be found at chu.house.gov/survey, was titled “Tell Me Your Thoughts on Syria.” It has only one question: What should the United States do following the now-verified chemical weapons attacks by the Syrian government on its own people?

The six choices are “Install a no-fly zone over Syria;” “Work with the international community to take action;” “Attack government military installations;” “Attack only chemical weapons sites/facilities;” “Bring war crimes charges against government leaders;” and “The U.S. should stay out of the conflict.”

Last Monday, Pasadena Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), a senior Member of the Intelligence Committee, released a statement stating that Syria President Bashar al-Assad must be held accountable. Schiff added that he is carefully weighing any authorization to use military force.

“I also believe that, as it is an international norm that is being violated, it is vital that the international community hold Assad accountable and that it should not be the United States acting alone,” Schiff said. “Yesterday afternoon, I expressed my concern to the White House that very few other nations were willing to act in concert with the United States in holding Assad accountable.”

““As a member of the body with the constitutional role of declaring war, I believe that the President was right to come to Congress for authorization, even though the delay might have some operational costs. Given the need to act, I cannot understand why the Speaker would not call us back into session immediately — and did not do so a week ago, once the dimensions of the atrocity in Syria were apparent,” he added.