East Bay Legislators Say President's Syria Plan Is "Too Broad"

Two East Bay legislators said Tuesday that President's Obama initial plan for military action against Syria is "too broad."

Rep. George Miller (D-Martinez) and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) said they want more specifics before they will agree to approve any military involvement.

“I agree with many of my colleagues that the draft authorization for use of force against Syria submitted by President Obama to Congress this weekend is overly broad and therefore unacceptable as a starting point in this important debate," said Miller.

“The resolution must be rewritten in order for Congress to properly debate whether or not it is warranted and appropriate to launch a narrow and effective military strike to degrade the ability of the Assad government to use chemical weapons against its own citizens and to send a message to all nations that the United States and other countries will not tolerate the use of weapons of mass destruction," Miller added.

Swalwell said he also feels the resolution is too vague.

“The use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime is horrific and must have serious consequences so it does not happen again. I will consider a limited U.S. military response. However, I want to make clear that I stand in strong opposition to putting troops on the ground," said Swalwell.

“The resolution proposed by the president is too broad and I cannot support it in its current form. Any resolution to authorize force must have clear language limiting the scope and duration of American involvement," Swalwell added.

On Saturday, President Obama said he decided military action should be taken against Syria for its use of chemical weapons, but he added he would seek Congress' approval before launching any strikes.