Naperville's Congressmen React To Missile Strike On Syrian Air Base

Naperville Congressman Bill Foster called the missile strike on a Syrian military airfield a "measured first response" to the use of chemical weapons. "The Assad regime's continued possession and use of chemical weapons is a violation of international law and universal standards of humanity," Rep. Foster said according to his staff. He said that any further military action should be authorized by congress and coordinated with other countries.

Congressman Peter Roskam, who represents the northeastern portion of Naperville, said "This was a bold and decisive action against the war criminal Bashar al-Assad – but airstrikes alone will not solve the crisis in Syria. We need a comprehensive strategy to end the tyrannical reign of the Assad family and free the Syrian people from the grip of Iran and Russia. Moving forward, the Administration should work closely with Congress toward that end."

On Thursday, two U.S. Navy ships in the Mediterranean fired 59 GPS-guided Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles at a Syrian airfield believed to be responsible for a chemical weapon attack against civilians. The following is Congressman Foster's complete statement: "The Assad regime's continued possession and use of chemical weapons is a violation of international law and universal standards of humanity." The missile strike against the Syrian airfield that was reportedly the source of this week's horrific chemical weapons attacks represents a measured first response to that violation. Any further military action should take place in concert with the international community and only after consultation with Congress. I support the call to reconvene Congress to debate an Authorization for Use of Military Force in Syria before further action is taken." Congressman Bill Foster represents the 11th Illinois Congressional District, which includes Aurora, Joliet, and most of Naperville. Congressman Peter Roskam is a Republican who represents the Illinois 6th Congressional district, which includes Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, Lisle, northeastern Naperville, Barrington and Palatine.

Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles launched from the USS Porter via Youtube

Photo: MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 7, 2017) USS Ross (DDG 71) fires a tomahawk land attack missile April 7, 2017. USS Ross, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert S. Price/Released)