[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 13268]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                 SYRIA

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, we rise at a time of great debate here in 
this Chamber and in this country about what the appropriate response 
should be by the United States to the horrific use of chemical weapons 
by the Government of Syria. That is a debate which will unfold over the 
next days here. We will see, as the situation continues to develop, 
what actually comes to the floor.
  But the President of the United States has asked for our input here 
in the Senate. Today we are focused on really the most important 
question an elected representative is asked to respond to; that is, 
whether to commit America to military combat. To that end, we have all 
spent time looking over intelligence reports. We have participated in 
classified intelligence briefings. I have also had the opportunity to 
meet with top members of the administration. From the information I 
have received, I do believe the Government of Syria used chemical 
weapons against its own people.
  I believe an international response is appropriate, but I do not 
believe the administration's proposal of a U.S. military strike is the 
right answer. There is no guarantee it will prevent Asad's use of 
chemical weapons. I do not believe it will end the senseless bloodshed 
in Syria. I do not believe it will bring stability to the region that 
is so critical to our national security. I do not believe it will 
enhance Israel's security. I do not believe, most fundamentally, that 
it is nested in a broader strategic plan for the region.
  The situation we face in Syria today is partly the result of a failed 
foreign policy. It is time for a change of course. We need a 
comprehensive long-term strategy first, not a strike and then the 
promise of a strategy, which is what the administration has proposed. 
``Strike first, strategy later'' is a recipe for disaster. If the 
current resolution comes to the floor as a result, the current 
resolution being considered, I would not be able to support it.

                          ____________________