In 2013, Syrian atrocities provoked President Obama to threaten the use of force to destroy chemical weapons. Obama asked Congress to approve the limited use of force. Rep. Tom Reed held “listening sessions.” He opposed President Obama’s request. He said he favored diplomacy without threats. The crisis was resolved when agreement was reached with Russia and Syria which provided for the verified destruction of the prohibited weapons. Congress never voted on “The Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the Government of Syria to Respond to Use of Chemical Weapons.”
Now in April, 2017 the question has come up again. Evidently chemical weapons still exist in Syria. Were the Russians fooled by the Syrian government, or did Russia conspire with Syria to conceal prohibited weapons? What now?
President Trump has expressed outrage. Will he undertake some action on his own authority or ask Congress for approval as President Obama did? What position will Rep. Reed take this time?
- Hold “listening sessions.”
- Oppose any threat or use of force.
- Support President Trump without reservation whatever he does.
- Keep his head down.
The situation is even more difficult in 2017 than in 2013 because of direct Russian intervention in the Syrian Civil war.
The following articles may be of current interest:
https://newny23rd.com/2013/09/01/rep-reed-to-hold-listening-sessions-on-syria/
https://newny23rd.com/2013/09/02/rep-reed-please-look-at-all-aspects-of-the-syrian-crisis-carefully/
https://newny23rd.com/2013/09/03/tom-listened-today-in-big-flats/
https://newny23rd.com/2013/09/04/geneva-listening-session-on-syria/
https://newny23rd.com/2013/09/08/reed-backs-house-defeat-of-syria-authorization/
https://newny23rd.com/2013/09/09/reed-should-support-president-obama-on-syria/
New NY 23rd 
Congressman Tom Reed (R – NY 23) said the airstrikes were the “right thing to do,” saying the use of chemical weapons “cannot go unchecked”.
We support the limited missile strike to disable President Assad’s ability to use chemical weapons on his own people. Use of weapons of mass destruction where innocent civilians, including women and children are killed, cannot go unchecked unless we risk the unfettered escalation of such weapon’s use in the future around the world. It is the right thing to do, as is our commitment to continue to search for diplomatic ways to bring peace to the region. – Rep. Tom Reed
What a difference between 2013 and now.
http://cnycentral.com/news/local/rep-katko-calls-us-airstrikes-in-syria-proportional-response-to-chemical-attacks
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What amazes me is how many nations, i.e. Russia, Sudan, North Korea, have murdered their own people and not a peep is heard. Yet, the mention of babies being killed by chemicals in Syria and immediately we have air strikes. Do you really believe that this made the region safer? The USA’s news may be treating Mr. Trump as a hero, but many other nations do not concur. If Mr. Trump wants to save babies and children from Syria, then he ought to allow them to relocate in America.
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One danger is that Mr. Trump will learn that militarism boosts his popularity with the electorate.
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/04/17/trumps-confusing-strike-on-syria
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“We support the limited missile strike to disable President Assad’s ability to use chemical weapons on his own people. Use of weapons of mass destruction where innocent civilians, including women and children are killed, cannot go unchecked unless we risk the unfettered escalation of such weapon’s use in the future around the world. It is the right thing to do, as is our commitment to continue to search for diplomatic ways to bring peace to the region.” 4/13/2017
https://reed.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reed-statement-syria
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