Bachmann and Nolan forge rare alliance on Syria
GOP U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann and DFL U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan disagree on many of the key issues facing the country. But they have reached an accord regarding military intervention in Syria.
Bachmann and Nolan are co-authoring a bill that would block any military aid to Syrian rebel groups until it's approved by a joint resolution of Congress. The bill would allow non-lethal humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people but would require President Obama’s administration to provide specifics on the aid.
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Bachmann announced last month that she won’t run for re-election next year. Nolan is running for re-election.
Here are the statements from Bachmann and Nolan.
“Giving weapons to the Syrian opposition means, in all likelihood that the United States will be arming and aiding extremist groups who seek to defeat us and our way of life. To make the American taxpayer pay to send arms to our enemies is madness. Rather than unilateral foreign policy decision-making from the White House, there needs to be careful debate by Congress, as is our constitutional responsibility, and a clear strategy that is in line with America’s national security interests before any involvement is considered.”- Rep. Michele Bachmann (MN-06)
“Regardless of how you feel about the conflict in Syria, we must insure that this matter is openly and thoroughly debated and voted on by the Congress before the United States becomes involved in yet another “war of choice” we can ill afford. The simple truth is we have no friends in this conflict. The sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shias has been going on for more than 1000 years. Sending arms will only escalate the violence and prolong the conflict. This matter, however tragic and sad, will not be resolved by the US’s involvement or intervention and will only invite resentment from both sides, as has been proven time and time again. We must get over the false notion that the enemy of our enemy is our friend.”- Rep. Rick Nolan (MN-08)