Rubio: Congress should ‘immediately’ return to debate Syria

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), a possible 2016 Republican presidential contender, called for the Senate to return to Washington early to debate action on Syria. 

{mosads}“I agree with the decision to seek Congressional approval before taking military action in Syria. And I believe Congress should return to Washington immediately and begin to debate this issue,” he said in a statement.

Rubio also indicated a reluctance to approve military engagement in the country.

“The United States should only engage militarily when it is pursuing a clear and attainable national security goal. Military action taken simply to send a message or save face does not meet that standard,” he said.

President Obama said on Saturday afternoon that he has “decided that the United States should take military action against Syrian regime targets,” but that he would seek congressional approval before moving forward. He stopped short of calling Congress back before recess ends.

House leadership said Saturday that the lower chamber will consider granting President Obama authority to launch a military strike in Syria the week of Sept. 9, when Congress is scheduled to return to Washington.