On the recordJune 13, 2013
We have no more speakers on the en bloc, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining? The ACTING CHAIR. The gentleman from California has 3\3/4\ minutes. Mr. McKEON. Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of that time. Just an hour ago, the President confirmed chemical weapons, including sarin gas, have been used by the Assad regime against Syrian civilians. The President has stated that a red line has been crossed. But I would observe that red lines are meaningless unless they are backed by action. The underlying bill reflects a sense of Congress that any red line should be backed with substantive measures. The White House stated this evening that President Obama agrees with this sentiment. Tonight, representatives of the National Security Council stated: The President has made the decision to support Syrian opposition. That includes military support. I expect to see more details in the coming days from the White House and the Department of Defense. I am, however, deeply concerned about our ability to honor and uphold red lines. Our military readiness and our ability to respond is degraded today. Seventeen combat coded Air Force squadrons are grounded due to budget cuts. A carrier battle group should be in the Middle East, but instead is in port.…
