McCain calls for Syria hearing

“All options must now be on the table to stop the
bloodletting in Syria,” McCain wrote. “It is incumbent on the Committee to lead
a frank and open debate about the merits of the various options at our
disposal.”

{mosads}McCain, the committee’s ranking member, compared the violence in Syria to last year’s
violence in Libya, while noting that the Obama administration “inadequately”
consulted with Congress about using force to help oust Libyan leader Moammar
Gadhafi.

McCain has been one of the most vocal senators about potentially
arming the Syrian opposition, along with Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe
Lieberman (I-Conn.). While McCain ruled
out putting “boots on the ground” in Syria, the trio has said several
times
over the past week that providing aid and arms must be considered.

“The bloodshed must be stopped, and now is not the time to
rule out any option that could save innocent lives in Syria and compel Assad to
leave power.