BOSTON (August 31, 2013) - Senator Edward J. Markey (DMass.) issued the following statement regarding President Obama's announcement that he would allow for debate in Congress over whether to use force in response to chemical weapon attacks by the Assad regime in Syria.

"President Obama is making the right decision to call for Congressional debate on this difficult question. I have said all along that I think we need a full debate, we need international backing, and we need detailed, complete evidence presented before deciding whether our country should take action in Syria. 

"The use of chemical weapons is a heinous and despicable act that appears to be the work of a brutal dictator who has quashed dissent and killed innocent men, women, and children. We must be mindful, however, of the complexities of the situation in Syria. The aftermath of a U.S. strike on targets in Syria is difficult to predict, with negative consequences that may be beyond our capability to control. That's why I am looking forward to a thorough, detailed debate that hears all sides. "

Contact: Eben BurnhamSnyder, Senator Ed Markey, 2022242742