VIDEO: Rep. Loebsack Questions White House Officials on Potential Fallout of Syria Attack

Via Rep. Loebsack's Office

Congressman Dave Loebsack today questioned Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey during a House Armed Service Committee hearing on President Obama’s request to take military action against Syria.  The witnesses also provided initial updates on diplomatic efforts to secure Syria’s chemical weapons.  As the only member from Iowa who serves on the Armed Services Committee, Loebsack posed questions about what the fallout from a strike would be. Loebsack also viewed classified materials and received a classified briefing yesterday. 


Loebsack also had a statement following the President's address to the nation on Tuesday:


"I think the Administration has been moving too quickly on Syria and am pleased that the vote to authorize the use of force has been taken off the table at this time. The use of chemical weapons against civilians is morally reprehensible and should be unequivocally condemned by the international community. While I remain skeptical of the prospects for success of the proposed diplomatic plan, we should always examine any diplomatic option that is presented. At this point I cannot support the use of unilateral U.S. military force in Syria. Too many pieces of the puzzle are left on the table to authorize such a dramatic step. After more than a decade of war during which time our troops and military families have made great sacrifices on our behalf, we must exercise extreme caution in undertaking any military action.”