First hurdle cleared as US panel approves action on Syria

WASHINGTON –

Carney expresses gratitude for the Senate’s rapid decision as the US Senate panel votes to back use of force in Syria

White House spokesperson Jay Carney expressed gratitude for the rapid move by the Senate after the US Senate panel voted late Wednesday to authorize the use of force in response to the August 21 deadly chemical weapons attack in Syria.

Carney said in a statement that the resolution would “uphold America’s national security interests by degrading Assad’s chemical weapons capability and deterring the future use of these weapons, even as we pursue a broader strategy of strengthening the opposition to hasten a political transition in Syria.” He added that the US would be stronger if the President and Congress would work together.

He noted they would work with Congress to implement the prohibition of chemical weapons..

US President Barack Obama reiterated on Wednesday his position that the current situation in Syria tests the international community’s credibility and requires military response.

Secretary of State John Kerry urged military action in Syria on Wednesday in front of the Foreign Affairs Committee along with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Chief of Staff General Martin Dempsey.

Kerry made the case for a “targeted and limited” military strike to punish the Syrian government for the gas attack which the US says killed nearly 1,500 people.