Politics & Government

How Should Bill Foster Vote on Syria?

Foster leaning toward "yes" vote, says chemical weapons "unthinkable." Vote in our 11th District poll.

President Barack Obama this weekend said he will let Congress decide whether to attack Syria after a chemical weapons attack by Syrian President Bashar Assad reported to have killed more than 1,400 people and violated international rules of war.

As Americans are "weary of war," the president said in his Saturday address to the public that putting the decision in the hands of the people's representatives was more in line with the country's democratic ideals.

"I know that the country will be stronger if we take this course, and our actions will be even more effective," he said.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-11th) is leaning to a "yes" vote.

Foster last week released this statement: "For nearly 100 years, the use of chemical weapons remained an unthinkable option for civilized countries and their use in Syria represents a violation of international norms and sets an unacceptable precedent.

"As a scientist, I believe that before we take any action, it is critical that we gather all the facts about what has happened and who is responsible. 

"That is why I went back to Washington, DC, to study the classified assessment that spells out the facts and sources, and to attend a classified briefing about the administration’s plans to ensure we are proceeding on the basis of well-understood facts before taking military action."

How do you think your congressman, Bill Foster, should vote? Do you believe any action will draw the U.S. into another Mideast conflict? Vote in the poll and share your views in the comments.


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