Washington, D.C., August 29, 2013–  Congressman Ted Yoho released the following statement in light of the White House’s recent announcements to possibly take military action in Syria.

 “The recent news of the White House’s announcement to possibly take military action in Syria has sent waves throughout our nation.  While the President aims to intervene in Syria’s internal conflict, I maintain that it is neither the role of the United States federal government to do so nor the responsibility of the American taxpayer to fund such an unconstitutional act.

 The Founding Fathers never intended an act of war to be conducted without the consent of Congress and if we are to engage in military aid or action in Syria, we are engaging in an act of war against a sovereign nation.  While I find the death and destruction occurring in Syria on behalf of both the Assad regime and the rebel forces deplorable, I must listen to the countless Americans and constituents who have pleaded with both my colleagues and me in Congress to not engage.

 The situation we find ourselves in today is due to several decades of failed foreign policy and empty political bluffs that have placed an incredible burden on the American people.  Understanding that the President may proceed independently of Congress under the War Powers Act, it is my hope that he will consider more than just a consultation with Congress on these very serious actions.  It is time, as evidenced more than ever, that we restore the balance of power to the branches of the Federal government. 

 Continuing down this path of unchecked power by the President will result in grave consequences for both America’s foreign policy and the Administration.”

# # #

Background:  Congressman Ted Yoho is a freshman member of the U.S. House of Representatives and serves on the Foreign Affairs committee. He currently is a member of the Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade subcommittee and Middle East and North Africa subcommittee