For more than two years we have witnessed the inner turmoil taking place in Syria and the horrendous atrocities executed by the Assad regime. Recently, reports have come out showing that chemical weapons have been used in cowardly attacks that have shocked the world in its brutality. These constitute a threat to our allies in Israel and Jordan and therefore warrant additional debate and preparedness.

But as President Obama and his administration begin to weigh military action, there needs to be an open discussion and consultation with Congress before any drastic retaliation takes place. Based on our history in this volatile region, careful debate and deliberation must be the priority before committing the men and women of our military to an area of the world that has seen the rise of Islamic extremism and chaotic changes among ruling powers. I join Speaker Boehner in calling on President Obama to address and answer major questions to his strategy and goals for a military strike in Syria and urge caution for the sake of our national interests.