Reps. Peters, Issa, say attack on Syria was merited

“The chemical attack this week was the latest in a long line of brutal atrocities committed against the Syrian people by Bashar al-Assad – it warranted a response,” Peters, D-San Diego, said in a statement.

But he criticized President Donald Trump for not including Congress in the decision.

“However, I am concerned that President Trump would launch an attack unilaterally without consulting the legislative branch. Congress has not provided the authority to conduct war against the Syrian government."

In the future, the president should tell legislators and citizens of his larger military plans regarding Syria, he said.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, said the cruise missile strikes launched from Destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea were “appropriate” and that Assad’s attacks on his own people could not go without a response. The crisis shows the importance of American intervention, and can distinguish Trump from his predecessor, President Barack Obama, Issa said.

“In every way, American leadership is needed right now, and this is the time to work closely with our allies around the world and in the Middle East – as well as the international community – to achieve what the previous administration did not: constructive engagement to deal responsibly with the crisis in Syria,” he said in a statement.

As of Friday afternoon the three other House members that represent parts of San Diego County had spoken on the attack.