First Posted: 9/11/2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Both of Robeson County’s representatives in the U.S. House oppose military action against Syria.

“The important constitutional question to be answered regarding our country’s potential involvement in a foreign country’s civil war is whether such action meets the threshold of endangering our national security,” Rep. Mike McIntyre, a Democrat from Lumberton, said in a statement. “The recent actions in Syria raise very serious concern regarding the use of chemical weapons.

McIntyre represents the 7th District, which includes a small slice of Robeson County.

“After a careful review of the current situation and an analysis of information provided through several sources, including top secret briefings, it is apparent that humanitarian and diplomatic assistance, including a review of potential international control of Syrian chemical weapons, is appropriate,” McIntyre said.

McIntyre said there are four reasons he will not support a military strike against Syria. The reasons include: civil war in Syria is not a direct threat to our national security; neither the U.S. nor our allies have been attacked; a military strike does not resolve the ongoing conflict in Syria and the Middle East; and the consequences are too unpredictable.

Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican whose 8th District includes most of Robeson County, also opposes authorizing President Obama to use military force against Syria.

“It has become clear to me that President Obama and his administration do not have a cohesive long-term policy for the Middle East and are unable to articulate a strategy in Syria,” Hudson said in a statement. “The administration has also not made it clear what objective and end game is achievable with a limited use of force.

Obama on Tuesday night said in a nationally televised address that he has asked congressional leaders to postpone a vote on legislation to give a Russian plan a chance to work. Russia has asked Syria to surrender its chemical weapons.