Strike First, strategy later. That’s how U.S. Senator Portman characterized the resolution to give the President authority to attack Syria. And he told the Senate he thought military force wasn’t the answer because it may not prevent future use of chemical weapons and would not bring stability to Syria.
"The situation we face in Syria today is partly the result of a failed foreign policy. It’s time for a change of course. We need a comprehensive, long term strategy first—not a strike and then the promise of a strategy."
Members of Congress are divided on the plan. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of senators passed an alternate resolution on Syria. It would direct the United Nations to confirm that chemical weapons were used. The UN would then remove those weapons. If that doesn’t happen, the president is authorized to use military force.