Georgia senator thinking twice about Syria action | The Augusta Chronicle

Citing a federal defense budget already stretched thin by sequestration, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., said Thursday in a tour of Fort Gordon that he has reservations about giving President Obama the authority to use U.S. military force in Syria.

“You cannot, on the one hand, as a congressional policy-maker talk about shutting down the government or not funding a continuing resolution, and on the same token talk about authorizing a strike that could cost $300 million in a matter of days,” Isakson said. “Our military has to have the capability of being funded to carry out the missions that they are given, and Congress cannot have it both ways.”

Isakson’s thoughts reflect a growing divide in the Senate, with lawmakers bracing for a political showdown next week, when it is scheduled to debate whether to grant Obama’s request.

On Wednesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 10-7 to approve the request. The panel ruled out U.S. combat operations on the ground, but agreed “decisive changes” are needed to the present balance of power in the Syrian military.

via Georgia senator thinking twice about Syria action | The Augusta Chronicle.