Texas on the Potomac

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Syria: Where do Cruz and Cornyn stand?


Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz have both been outspoken in the past week as the debate over American action in Syria has been heating up.

Neither senator has given a definitive answer as to whether they would support a military response, instead maintaining skeptical attitudes and focusing their energies on calling for congressional approval before any military action is taken.

President Obama responded to the calls by member of Congress such as Cornyn and Cruz, announcing Saturday that while he supported a “limited” strike in Syria, he would first seek congressional approval.

John Cornyn (at far right) listens to President Obama discuss Syria this morning. (White House pool photo by Rick Dunham)


Since then, while waiting to be briefed on the situation, Cornyn and Cruz have turned to other aspects of the situation.

Cornyn spoke Monday evening to an Austin TV station, stating that he is not yet sold on action in Syria.

“I am very concerned. At least so far, I haven’t heard a plan that I can support,” said Cornyn.

Now calling for a national address, Cornyn wants President Obama to make the case for military action directly to the American people.

“The president needs to explain in detail what vital national interests are at stake, his plan for securing these interests and a clear definition of what success looks like in Syria,” said Cornyn.

Cornyn was among the group of bipartisan congressional leaders to meet with Obama this morning.

Cruz has turned his focus toward ensuring that the motivation behind an American strike is first and foremost in the interest of national security, and not only defending what the senator called international norms.

“We’re not the security force for the United Nations,” said Cruz Tuesday morning to guest host Joes Pags on the Glenn Beck radio program.

“Our military exists for one purpose, and that is to protect the vital national security interests of the United States of America.”

The United Nations has not endorsed military action in Syria. In fact, Russia would veto any resolution using force against the Syrian regime.

Neither Texas senator seems to have any doubt as to whether the controversial chemical weapons attacks took place.

Last week, while speaking on a Lubbock radio show, Cornyn called the attacks “indisputable,” and Cruz called their presence a danger to American national security on the Glenn Beck Program Tuesday.

“It is not in our interest to have those weapons fall into the hands of terrorists or Al Qaeda, who could use them against us or out allies,” said Cruz.

“To date, the President hasn’t focused on that at all and it’s been on making a public statement to defend international norms and I think that is missing the point entirely.”

Congress will officially reconvene on Sept. 9.

Steve Kuhlmann

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