Rep. Holt Urges Transparency, Deliberation in Syrian Action Decision

U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, D-12, joined 98 Republican House members in signing a letter urging President Obama to involve Congress in any decisions on U.S. military action in Syria.

Other members of the New Jersey delegation who joined Holt in signing the letter were Rep. Scott Garrett, R-5 and Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2.

Holt was one of 18 House Democrats to sign the letter.

In the letter, the House members “strongly” urged Obama to “consult and receive authorization from Congress before ordering the use of U.S. military force in Syria.”

The letter said such action was mandated by the Constitution, and alleged that Obama acted unconstitutionally when he ordered military actions in Libya in 2011 without Congress’ approval.

Holt went even further in a statement about the letter, saying that any action must be taken “with the full involvement of the international community and the United States Congress.”

“”The idea of taking intrusive military action before there is good international understanding of the facts is foolish, especially at a time when the experience of Iraq remains so fresh in our minds,” Holt said in the statement.

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