Political Quotes

On the recordSeptember 9, 2013
we come to this Chamber as we have many times before--to make one of the most difficult decisions we are tasked to make: the authorization of the use of American military power--this time in Syria, to respond to the horrific attack, including the use of chemical weapons, of August 21 that took the lives of 1,429 Syrians, including at least 426 children. The world is watching, America is waiting to see what we do in this Chamber in response to the threat the world faces from those who cross the line of human decency and use chemical weapons against anyone, anywhere in the world. The images of August 21 were sickening and, in my view, the world cannot ignore the inhumanity and horror of what Bashar al-Asad did. As I have had to say too many times before as a Member of Congress: I do not take the responsibility to authorize military force lightly or make such decisions easily. I voted against the war in Iraq when it was popular, according to the polls, to vote for the war and strongly supported the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. But today I urge my colleagues to support this tightly crafted, clearly focused resolution to give the President authorization to use military force in the face of this horrific crime against humanity.…
Said by
Bob Menendez
Democratic · New Jersey

Share

More from Bob Menendez

Apr 1, 2025

In recent weeks, the Trump administration and House Republicans have set their sights on the Federal judiciary, calling for unprecedented changes to our courts, attacking the character of dedicated Federal judges, and attempting to…

govinfo.gov
Jun 26, 2024

I appreciate your partnership. I appreciate you putting the full weight of the Department behind this issue.

congress.gov
Apr 17, 2024

It is undeniable that it has reestablished the United States' position as a reliable global partner.

congress.gov
Apr 16, 2024

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has been a critical investment for infrastructure across the country.

congress.gov

Other voices in this conversation