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Michigan members of Congress look forward to Syria debate

(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Michigan’s congressional delegation is weighing in on the President’s call for congressional authorization for military action in Syria.

Michigan’s senior U.S. Senator says he’s glad the President is seeking congressional approval for a military strike against Syria.

In a written statement, Democratic Senator Carl Levin says “A congressional vote to authorize the use of force would strengthen the President’s decision to take military action.” Levin adds the President should also use this time to help the Syrian people “defend themselves”.

West Michigan Congressman Justin Amash says he “looks forward” to a congressional debate on Syria.

Amash tweeted after the speech that President Obama “still hasn’t come close to justifying war in Syria”. Amash is among five Michigan Republican congressmen who signed a letter demanding the President get congressional approval before starting military strikes in Syria.

Congresswoman Candice Miller says she's returning to Washington Sunday for a briefing on the situation in Syria.    She says the president must make his case to the American people.

"In order to win my support it must be proven that not only did the Assad regime use chemical weapons against his own people, but more importantly that American involvement in the Syrian Civil War is in the vital national security interest of our nation," Miller says in a written statement.  

Brighton Congressman Mike Rogers chairs the House Intelligence Committee.   He released a statement saying:  “For two years, the Iranian-backed Syrian regime has been free to engage in the slaughter of its own people with little but rhetorical responses from the United States. Now that the regime has crossed our red line regarding the use of chemical weapons, we must carefully consider whether the credibility of the United States necessitates military action to enforce that position."

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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