Five members of the Kansas congressional delegation by Sunday questioned or outright rejected deployment of U.S. military firepower in response to mounting evidence the embattled government in Syria used lethal gas to kill civilians.

U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins, a Topeka Republican serving the 2nd District in the House, welcomed President Barack Obama's unexpected decision to seek congressional consent before ordering overt military engagement in Syria's civil war. She remained unmoved by the president's argument in favor of a fight.

"I am pleased the president is seeking Congress' authorization," she said in a statement. "I am unconvinced military action against Syria is in our nation's best interest and I plan to oppose authorization."

More than 1,400 people, including several hundred children, were killed during August in suburbs of Damascus. Obama administration officials said testing revealed the attack involved sarin, a lethal man-made and fast-acting nerve toxin.

U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, a Republican who serves the Johnson and Wyandotte county areas of Kansas, said a military response against Syria was unwarranted at this juncture. He said he looked forward to "discussing the president's plan with my constituents and giving it full consideration."

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said Congress should forgo authorization of a strike on facilities of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

"America cannot afford another conflict that taxes our resources without achieving goals that advance American interests, and I will not support authorizing military action against Syria at this time," Moran said.

U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., said previously Obama had few alternatives to unleashing a limited but meaningful response to the horror of Syrians murdered by their own government.

Following a briefing Sunday, however, the senator said lack of a meaningful coalition of allies, a detailed plan of action and a clear exit strategy compelled him to withhold support for the president's request.

"I am especially troubled, based on today's briefing, that the president wants open-ended authority," Roberts said. "That doesn't square with his highly publicized statement for limited action."

U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo, a Republican from Wichita, said intervention by the United States, if taken, must be in response to a clear threat to U.S. national security and amount to more than a "shot across the bow."

"It is absolutely essential the president only act as part of a thoughtful, comprehensive strategy that preserves America’s national interests," Pompeo said. "Any use of force must be vigorous, unannounced and aimed at the completely achieving the American objective."

Congress is scheduled to end a recess and return to Washington on Sept. 9. U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, who serves the large 1st District in Kansas, wasn't available for comment on the issue.