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Colorado's Congressional Delegation: Feelings Differ on Syria

Roger Adams

Colorado’s elected leaders in Washington have differing opinions on whether to move forward with American-led missile strikes in Syria. President Obama wants Congressional backing before he approves of any military intervention. But, he may have to work hard to get some of Colorado’s delegation on board.

The Denver Post reported Wednesday Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) favors military intervention in Syria as a response to the country’s use of chemical weapons. But, he says the choices available to the U.S. range from “worse to bad.” He says he won’t know what kind of response he favors until he returns to Washington on Thursday for an intelligence briefing.

In an email, a spokesman for Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) says Udall believes that the White House should continue providing Congress with more details. Udall wants more information of the President’s strategy for responding to the use of chemical weapons against Syrian civilians and its broader strategy for Syria and the region. Udall is a member of the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees.

Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) was one of 115 representatives who sent the President a bipartisan letter urging that he consult with Congress before taking any military action in Syria. Tipton represents the Roaring Fork Valley and a big chunk of rural Colorado. According to the Durango Herald, he’s said he will not support authorization of any military action in Syria, barring any new information. He discussed the issue at a packed town hall meeting Tuesday. He said he could change his mind after an intelligence briefing he’s scheduled to be a part of when he returns to Washington.

In a statement released by Tipton’s staff on August 31st, the Representative says “the chemical weapons attacks in Syria should be met with serious consequences and there are a number of options on the table, including the President’s proposal, which Congress will debate and consider.”

Congress is expected to return to Washington from its summer break on September 9th.