Donald Trump bombed Syria without consulting Congress Thursday night, and his lapdog Republicans are thrilled about it, because bombs = leadership in the Republican dictionary. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, on the other hand, would like for Congress to talk about it and maybe possibly have some input. Pelosi sent Ryan a letter urging him to call the House back into session—something he is reportedly ready to do if Republicans reach a Trumpcare deal—to debate military action against Syria:
I am writing to request that you call the House back in session immediately to debate any decision to place our men and women in uniform in harm’s way.
Bashar al-Assad ‘s chemical weapons attack on his own people places him outside the circle of civilized human behavior. Assad also continues to attack his own people with conventional weapons. Meanwhile, Russia props up the Assad regime and enables its brutal war crimes to continue.
The President’s action and any response demands that we immediately do our duty. Congress must live up to its Constitutional responsibility to debate an Authorization of the Use of Military Force against a sovereign nation.
As heartbreaking as Assad’s chemical weapons attacks on his own people was, the crisis in Syria will not be resolved by one night of airstrikes. The killing will not stop without a comprehensive political solution to end the violence. The American people are owed a comprehensive strategy with clear objectives to keep our brave men and women in uniform safe and avoid collateral damage to innocent civilians in Syria.
I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible on this matter of grave concern to our national security.
Rep. Jim McGovern and Sens. Tim Kaine and Elizabeth Warren were among the other Democrats who called for Congress to be consulted.