WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, released the following statement on the U.S. strike in Syria:

“The use of chemical weapons is not only an affront to all of humanity, but it also violates longstanding prohibitions against the use of these weapons as well as the 2013 agreement by the Syrian government to eliminate its chemical weapons stockpiles and manufacturing capability. Last night’s tactical strikes appear to have been an appropriate and proportionate response to those heinous crimes committed by Assad against his own people – innocent men, women, and children.

“While I believe the signal we sent to Assad is an important one, what remains missing, however, is a more comprehensive strategy, in conjunction with our international partners, to address the larger ongoing problem in Syria and its intersection with Russian and Iranian support. This is a chance for the President to come to Congress, as I said President Obama should, so that we can finally and fully debate and deliberate on a comprehensive strategy and an authorization for the use of military force if further military action against the Assad regime is contemplated.”

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