Minnesota Politicians React to President Obama's Speech on Syria

President Barack Obama addressed the nation on the situation in Syria on Tuesday night, saying he's encouraged by recent developments while stressing that the U.S. needs to keep applying pressure.

The President also said he's asked Congress to delay a vote authorizing a strike on Syria in the hope that a peaceful resolution can be ironed out.

Watch Obama's speech here

“Only because of the credible threat of U.S. military action by Mr. Obama are Syria and Russia now willing to pursue a diplomatic solution to this crisis.  I fully support the Administration’s effort to engage Russia and work towards disarming the Assad regime peacefully, with international verification.” 

“The stakes in this crisis are critical to our national security interests. If the murder of civilians with chemical weapons is allowed to become the new international norm the America people will never be safe from their use by rogue regimes or terrorists.” 

“President Obama has my full support and trust as he continues to rally the international community, Congress, and the American people to hold the Syrian regime accountable for using sarin gas to kill innocent civilians, including children.”

Read Rep. John Kline's statement regarding Syria on Lakeville Patch.

Sixth District Congresswoman Michele Bachman released this statement in response to President Obama's address on Syria.

"President Obama’s muddled foreign policy has demonstrated incredible weakness around the world, and his Administration’s handling of the situation in Syria has been stunningly incompetent and incoherent. From the outset, the Obama Administration has failed to articulate an identifiable American national security interest or a clear strategy for success, which is why I remain adamantly opposed to the use of military force in Syria.

"Any action in the already volatile country would only make the situation worse. Considering many of the rebels have connections with al Qaeda-linked groups, the alternative is no better.

"All week my office has been flooded with constituent phone calls and emails that have been nearly unanimous in their opposition to U.S. involvement in Syria. I agree with my constituents and the American people, and if a vote comes to the House floor, I will oppose the authorization of military force."

Read Sen. Al Franken's thoughts on Syria and watch Obama's Chief of Staff Dennis McDonough talk about Syria on Meet the Press.

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