Ayotte to be in on Classified Syria Briefing

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) will participate in a classified briefing Sept. 4 in the Senate Armed Services Committee focusing on President Obama’s request for an authorization to use military force in Syria. She released the following statement in advance of Wednesday’s briefing, which will include Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

“The decision to authorize military action is one of the most serious decisions we confront. This briefing will provide an opportunity for me to ask important questions and scrutinize the administration’s plan – including what the impact of failing to act would have on our country and countries in the Middle East, including Syria, Israel and Iran. I look forward to learning more about the President’s objectives and his military strategy for achieving them. 

“While I appreciated the President’s address on Saturday, I believe he should address the American people in a prime time address before Congress votes outlining why using military force against the Assad regime is in our national security interests, what our objectives will be in using force, and how we will achieve those objectives.”