美国会对叙利亚问题存分歧

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　　The full Congress does not return from recess³ until September 9. But several dozen lawmakers scrambled⁴ to get to Washington in time for Sunday’s closed-door briefing at the Capitol, in which the administration presented its case for intervention⁵ in Syria.

　　Afterwards, several lawmakers said they are convinced that chemical weapons were used. But questions remain, according to Democratic Congresswoman Janice Hahn. “Is this a reason to go to war? What are the objectives of going to war? What authorization⁶ are we actually giving our president?”

　　Hahn said the United States should not have to act alone. “Where is the international community," she said, "if this is such an outrage⁷, if this is so abhorrent⁸ to everyone?”

　　Republican Congressman⁹ Scott Rigell praised the president’s decision to seek congressional approval, but said he is a “no” vote for now. “I am a ‘no’ because the clarity of where all of this goes, the definition of accomplishing the mission - that is still unclear to me," he said.

　　By contrast, Democratic Representative Sandy Levin backs military intervention in Syria. “I have confidence that members of Congress will step up to the plate [vote yes]. Because if we do nothing, it sends a very wrong message," he said.

　　On Saturday, President Obama said he does not need Congress’ permission to order a strike, but nevertheless wants the backing of the nation’s representatives in Washington.

　　Before Sunday’s classified briefing, Secretary of State John Kerry appeared on multiple U.S. television programs to present what the administration has learned about last month’s deadly attacks on civilians¹⁰ in and around Damascus.

　　“Hair and blood samples that have come to us from individuals who were engaged as first responders in east Damascus - I can report to you today they have tested positive for signatures of sarin (the deadly nerve gas)," he said.

　　Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Kerry defended Obama’s decision to seek congressional approval for military action. “We do not lose anything. We actually gain. And what we gain is the legitimacy¹¹ of the full-throated response of the Congress of the United States and the president acting¹² together after our democratic process has worked properly," he said.

　　Kerry said U.S. inaction would have the effect of “granting impunity¹³ to a ruthless dictator to continue to gas his people.”

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