Portman: "Strike First, Strategy Later is a Recipe for Disaster

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) delivered remarks on the Senate floor to express his opposition to S.J.RES.21, the authorization for the use of military force against the Assad regime. 

Below are excerpts of Portman’s remarks. Video of the entire remarks can be found here.

“…We rise today 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.

“…I do not believe the Administration’s proposal of a U.S. military strike is the right answer.  There is no guarantee that it will prevent Assad’s use of chemical weapons; I don’t believe it will end the senseless bloodshed in Syria; I don’t believe it will bring stability to a region that is critical to our national security; I don’t believe it will enhance Israel’s security, and I don’t believe, most fundamentally, that is 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’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, 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…I would not be able to support it.”