Suburban members of Congress on U.S. missile strike on Syria

"Last night's cruise missile strike sends a clear and measured message to Bashar al-Assad that his horrific, unacceptable and illegal use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians will not go unanswered by the United States of America. While our Armed Forces effectively carried out their orders with utmost professionalism, the United States now finds itself with heightened tensions between our nation and adversaries like Russia and Iran.

We as a nation must begin an in-depth discussion on behalf of our men and women in uniform regarding our role in this conflict. Now that we find ourselves in this position, it is my duty as a U.S. Senator - and as a combat Veteran - to raise several fundamental questions: What was the legal justification for last night's strike? Is our goal to prevent future war crimes against the Syrian people or to remove Assad from power? What should our military and political strategy to achieve that goal be? What are the true costs of that strategy - in both dollars as well as human lives? And finally, are the American people as well as our allies prepared to support our efforts if things go wrong? Because in war, they always do.

"All of us were appalled to see Syrian children foaming at the mouth - dying - as a result of Assad's use of chemical weapons. We should not forget that this Administration made it harder for the victims of Assad's barbarity to escape their suffering by slamming our doors on those fleeing this humanitarian crisis."

- Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Hoffman Estates

"The U.S. response was measured, targeted and directed at the military installation from which Assad's chemical attacks originated. Any further military response should be reviewed by Congress. Clearly, the 2013 Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons agreed upon by the United States and the Russian Federation, with Syria's cooperation, has been violated. Investigators charged with monitoring that agreement - and Russia, for that matter - need to provide answers for why it has failed, and what they will do to ensure compliance going forward."

- Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, Plano

"The Assad regime must be held to account for the horrors it has wrought upon its own people. This newest barbarism serves as a reminder that the Assad regime must go.

Any expanded or longer-term military operation against the Assad regime must be executed in consultation with the Congress and our key allies. The administration must present the American people with clear goals and a strategy through which to achieve them. I will work with my colleagues in the House to demand the White House develop a comprehensive policy that holds the Assad regime accountable for its heinous acts and brings about a transition to a new government in Syria."

- Democratic U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Schaumburg

"This was a bold and decisive action against the war criminal Bashar al-Assad - but airstrikes alone will not solve the crisis in Syria. We need a comprehensive strategy to end the tyrannical reign of the Assad family and free the Syrian people from the grip of Iran and Russia. Moving forward, the Administration should work closely with Congress toward that end."

-­ Republican U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, Wheaton

"This attack on innocent civilians cannot go unaddressed. The latest atrocities of the Assad regime demand a strong response. Last night's missile strikes are by no means a solution to the ongoing conflict. President Trump must engage with Congress to develop a clear, comprehensive strategy for the U.S. role in dealing with Syria. Any further U.S. military action in Syria by law would require Congressional approval and passage of a new Authorization of the Use of Military Force. Congress should be called back immediately to debate that. In the meantime, I call on President Trump to abandon his cruel ban on Syrian refugees seeking safety from the deadly situation in their country."

- Democratic U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Evanston

"It is absolutely clear that Syria's use of chemical weapons cannot go without a response, not just from the United States but from the entire international community. It is also clear that, after six years of civil war and countless war crimes by the Assad regime, one strike will not bring an end to the atrocities of this war. The conflict will not be resolved on the battlefield, rather we must change the dynamic of the battlefield to bring forth the conditions for a political solution. It is now incumbent upon President Trump to develop a comprehensive strategy for confronting the Syrian crisis, clearly articulating the steps and goals we seek to achieve. Furthermore, it is imperative that the Congress and the American people have their voices heard. Any further U.S. military action must only be undertaken with the formal authorization of Congress after a full and robust debate."

-­ Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, Deerfield

"My preliminary briefing by the White House indicated that this was a measured response to the Syrian nerve gas atrocity. Any further action will require close scrutiny by Congress, and any escalation beyond airstrikes or missile strikes will require engaging the American people in that decision."

- Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin