Senate Minority Whip John Cornyn (R-TX) opposes the Senate’s proposed authorization for military action in Syria, his aide told Politico Thursday, making him the first congressional leader to come out against the resolution.
“If the vote were held today, Sen. Cornyn would vote no,” Megan Mitchell, Cornyn’s spokeswoman, said. “What he is waiting to see is a credible plan from the administration that will achieve our national security objectives. Specifically, a plan to keep chemical weapons out of the hands of terrorists.”
Several other congressional leaders — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy — are still undecided, but Cornyn is the first to say he’s opposed. The rest of the leadership on both sides has voiced its support for President Obama’s plans for limited military strikes in Syria.