New York Congressman Changes His Position on Syria
New York Congressman Changes His Position on Syria
New York Reps: 2 Support Strike; 6 Oppose; Most Undecided
Rep. Michael Grimm, a Republican representing the 11th District of New York, announced Thursday he is withdrawing his support for a military strike in Syria.
Earlier in the week, Grimm said on CNN he had supported President Obama's proposed military strike. But he has since changed his position.
"Now that Assad regime has seen our playbook and has been given enough time to prepare and safeguard potential targets, I do not feel that we have enough to gain as a nation by moving forward with this attack on our own," Grimm said in a statement, released Thursday.
Grimm told CNN Thursday evening he was not asked by anyone to shift his support.
He added in a statement: "I have heard from many constituents who strongly oppose unilateral action at a time when we have so many needs here at home. Thus, after much thought, deliberation and prayer, I am no longer convinced that a U.S. strike on Syria will yield a benefit to the United States that will not be greatly outweighed by the extreme cost of war."
The majority of New York's 27 representatives remain undecided about how to vote on the military strike proposal. See the updated breakdown below.
FOR MILITARY STRIKE:
Rep. Peter King (R)
Rep. Eliot Engel (D)
AGAINST MILITARY STRIKE:
Rep. Brian Higgins (D)
Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D)
Rep. Chris Gibson (R)
Rep. Jose Serrano (D)
Rep. Charles Rangel (D)
Rep. Michael Grimm (R)
Correction: Contrary to what was previously stated, Rep. Gregory Meeks has not made any definitive decision with regard to military action in Syria. Rep. Jose Serrano (D) has since come forward to say he plans on voting against military action.
