Ed Markey Opposes Resolution Authorizing Force In Syria

Ed Markey (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

Newly-elected Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), who voted “present” during an initial committee vote on a resolution authorizing force in Syria, announced Tuesday his opposition to the measure which he describes as “too broad,” the Boston Globe reported.

Secretary of State John Kerry, Markey’s predecessor in the Senate, publicly lobbied the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to vote for the proposal.

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), who joined nine other Foreign Relations committee members in approving the resolution last week, indicated Monday that due to reservations about further action he prefers a diplomatic solution at this time.

“I voted yes in the committee but I have concerns about action, right now we need to deal with #Syria via diplomacy if possible,” Cardin said in a message posted to Twitter.

In a reversal, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced Monday he would not file for a test vote on a resolution to strike at Syria. The move comes as discussions escalate about a possible diplomatic solution to the Syrian regime’s alleged use of chemical weapons.

Latest Livewire
Comments
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: