Hoeven Statement on Potential Military Action Against Syria

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement regarding his position on Syria:

“As I said last week, at this point I do not support a military strike on Syria. North Dakotans and the American people don't support it.

“Since early 2011 Syria has been immersed in a civil conflict between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime and multiple opposition groups. The fighting has so far resulted in more than 90,000 deaths and 1.5 million refugees. Based on the Obama Administration’s belief that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons, President Obama has asked Congress to approve a military strike against Assad’s forces.

“I have real concerns about the administration’s approach and believe that President Obama has not yet made a clear and convincing case for his plan to take action in Syria. Instead, I believe we should work with our allies in the region and other countries on a diplomatic solution to Syria’s use of chemical weapons, and any response should not involve U.S. troops on the ground.”

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