Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Secretary Kerry's Remarks on Syria

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 30, 2013

CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
202-225-7163

Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Secretary Kerry's Remarks on Syria

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) issued the following response to Secretary of State John Kerry's address to the American public regarding the escalating situation in Syria:

"The evidence is apparent: the Syrian government has used chemical weapons against its own people in blatant and horrific violation of international law, human rights, and moral decency. I join my colleagues, the international community and the American people in strongly condemning the horrific acts the Assad regime propagated against its own people.

"The decision to take military action can never be taken lightly. It is imperative that the Administration presents a strong, clear case to the American public, and provides specifics to Congress before any action is taken. I was pleased that Secretary Kerry addressed the public today and that the Administration released unclassified intelligence it has gathered about the Assad regime's actions. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past by failing to fully consider and understand the costs, risks, and geopolitical implications of such actions. Any American military intervention against the Syrian government must have clear objectives and a clear timeline, and this information must be relayed to Congress and the American people."

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