After voting ‘present,’ Markey opposed to Syria strikes

Last week, Markey was the only member of the committee not
to take a position on the resolution, which passed 10-7.

{mosads}“Before casting such a monumental vote, I need to review all
of the relevant classified materials relating to this matter before I make a decision
as important as authorizing the use of military force,” he said in a statement
after the vote.

Markey said that he would take a position before the vote
that was planned for this week.

Of course, a vote on the Senate panel’s resolution is now in
doubt. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) postponed a vote Wednesday,
and a group of senators are working on an alternative resolution after Russia
proposed Monday that Syria put its chemical weapons under international control.

Markey gave three reasons for his opposition, including the “last-minute”
changes added by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and the concern that U.S. troops
would be drawn into the Syrian civil war.

He also cited the possibility for a diplomatic resolution —giving
credit to “Kerry’s efforts.”

“Due to Secretary Kerry’s efforts, the Syrians, Russians,
United Nations and the international community are all coming to the
negotiating table,” Markey said.

“We should take advantage of this new diplomatic opportunity
before we consider military action. Any resolution considered by Congress
should include language that that anticipates that force would not be used if
Syria agrees and abides by Secretary Kerry’s suggestion that Assad puts all of
Syria’s chemical weapons under international control.”