Sen. Lee Statement on Syria Airstrike

February 26, 2021

WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) issued the following statement in response to the Biden administration’s airstrike in Syria last night:

“The decision to launch an airstrike in Syria without authorization from Congress is concerning, but frankly not surprising. In recent history, presidents of both political parties have shown little restraint in using military force despite the Constitution’s explicit delegation of the war-making power to Congress.

“In this instance, given the ample lead time prior to the strike and the lack of an authorization for the use of military force for activities in Syria, the Biden administration owes Congress a thorough report required under the War Powers Act. I look forward to promptly reviewing the administration’s legal justification for the strike, the nature of reported imminent threats to U.S. security that necessitated an offensive response, and constraints that prevented seeking authorization from Congress.”