Politics & Government

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes Hosts Public Meeting on Syria in Darien

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes is using an online survey to ask constituents what they think about what to do in Syria, and he's hosting a 2:30 p.m. Sunday public meeting on the topic at Darien Library.


In a questionnaire Himes recently emailed to constituents (and has online), he asks:

"Please indicate which statement below best represents your point of view:

  • I agree with the President that Congress should approve a limited military strike against the Syrian regime in response to its use of chemical weapons, not involving "boots on the ground".
  • I oppose the President's proposal and believe we should not get militarily involved in Syria in any way.
  • I believe a more robust military response than the President envisions is appropriate.
  • I don't feel I have enough information to make a decision.

Other (Please reply to this email with your response) 

"If you would like to attend, please RSVP here (RSVPing is not required but will help ensure we have enough space for everyone)," Himes wrote in the email. "Please share your thoughts with me in this survey and in person on Sunday." 

Darien Library is located at 1441 Post Rd., Darien, just west (or "south") of Exit 11 (turn right from the northbound Exit 11 ramp, or turn left from the southbound Exit 11 ramp; the library is on the right, before the cemetery).

What Himes wrote to constituents

Here's the rest of what Himes wrote in his letter to constituents:

Friends,

The United States makes few more consequential decisions than when and where to use military force. I was pleased that the President chose to seek Congressional approval for a strike in Syria; I have long felt that the decision to use military power needs to migrate back to the Congress, where the Constitution clearly placed it.

However, soon I will have a tough vote to take, and I need to know where you stand. As your Representative, the most important factor in my votes is your opinion.

You should know that I traveled to Washington on Sunday to attend a classified briefing on the use of chemical weapons on civilians in Syria and the President's proposed response. The intelligence community has determined with high confidence that the Assad regime undertook this attack. Having reviewed the evidence, I believe that the support for that conclusion is strong, if not watertight. Given what led to the US invasion of Iraq, I want to learn more.

In response, the President believes that a limited, no boots-on-the-ground military strike is the appropriate response. He has asked Congress to pass an authorization for the use of military force. You can read the full text of the proposed resolution (which may change in the legislative process) here.

Himes on Thursday posted this statement about Syria on his office's website.

More information on Syria

These Web pages have more information on the current crisis in Syria:


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