releases: https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5e76da5c-0968-4a62-b624-54be4c321d2d
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5e76da5c-0968-4a62-b624-54be4c321d2d | Heitkamp Statement on the President’s Speech on Syria | 2013-09-10 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp issued the following statement after the President’s speech this evening on Syria, and the need to prevent and deter the use of chemical weapons. Heitkamp has co-authored legislation with Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) that seeks a diplomatic alternative in Syria by giving the Assad government 45 days to sign the chemical weapons ban and begin the process of turning over its chemical weapons. During this time, the U.S. would work to build international support and create a global response on the use of chemical weapons in Syria. If, after 45 days, the Assad regime doesn't comply, then the President would have authority to use his national power to prevent and deter the use of chemical weapons in Syria. "Tonight, the President spoke to the American people about the terrible atrocities recently committed by the Syrian government, and how the Assad regime’s crimes against humanity cannot be ignored. I’m glad the President now agrees that we should seek a diplomatic solution first, and will engage in a renewed effort with the United Nations. We need to act in our country’s strategic interest, and that means exhausting any diplomatic options before considering the use of force. “The recent news about Assad accepting a Russian proposal to turn over its chemical weapons to international control is promising. It demonstrates there is a stronger appetite for a diplomatic solution that builds robust international support – just like my legislation aims to do. But actions speak louder than words, and we haven’t seen any action yet. "As the diplomatic process the President discussed continues, our nation should keep building international support and putting pressure on the Assad regime to turn over its chemical weapons. And the Senate should continue to consider alternate plans that focus on diplomatic efforts, such as the plan I have put forth.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |