AZ lawmakers praise Trump strike on Syria, warn about not being consulted

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Most Arizona lawmakers agree that Syria’s apparent use of chemical weapons against civilians called for quick action by the U.S., but some said President Donald Trump went about it the wrong way.

Trump authorized the launch of cruise missiles late April 6 on targets at Shayrat Airfield, a Syrian air base believed to have been involved in chemical weapons attacks that killed hundreds of civilians April 4, including women and children.

Few lawmakers were willing to criticize the actual cruise missile strikes, which Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, called an “appropriate and timely” response to the Syrian attacks.

But those strikes were carried out without any notice to members of Congress. Many members were like Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, who praised the action on one hand while noting that Congress needs to be consulted if it is more than just a one-time action.

“I’m thankful for the president’s leadership and for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who commit themselves to defending our freedoms and national security,” Biggs said in a statement Friday. “I am interested to learn more about the president’s strategy going forward and to join my colleagues in Congress providing their expertise and oversight.”

Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson, said he worries that this military action could lead to others by the administration, and that Congress must be part of that decision-making.

Rep. Tom O’Halleran, D-Sedona, said the U.S. must work to stop future “barbaric” attacks like the Syrians’ use of chemical weapons and that Congress should not wait for Trump to come up with a plan.