Utah officials react to Syria strikes
UPDATED: APRIL 13, 2018 AT 9:34 PM
SALT LAKE CITY — The all-Republican members of Utah’s congressional delegation reacted, mostly with praise, to word that President Trump had authorized airstrikes in response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria, the Deseret News reports.
The Syrian government has denied using chemical weapons, which are banned under an international agreement.
Sen. Orrin Hatch applauded the retaliatory action.
“The response, deliberated meticulously with international partners and carried out with their backing and participation, reflects the president’s commitment to restoring America’s leadership in bringing Assad and his backers to justice,” Hatch tweeted.
Rep. John Curtis, who represents Utah’s third Congressional district, also shared a positive reaction on Twitter.
“Tonight, America and our allies are sending a clear message that we will not stand idly by while the Syrian Regime uses chemical weapons on its own civilians. My prayers are with our brave military men and women,” he said.
Rep. Chris Stewart, the second district congressman, tweeted that President Trump “did the right thing in ordering strikes on Syrian chemical weapons and military facilities. We must show the world that we are serious when we state that we will not allow dictators to use weapons of mass destruction.” He continued, “I’m thankful that our allies are standing with us.”
Also on Twitter, Sen. Mike Lee said he is focused on the safety of the U.S. troops carrying out the strikes and serving overseas.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the American service men and women in harms way tonight. I look forward to hearing from the President about his strategy for Syria and whether he plans to seek authorization from Congress for any further use of force,” Lee tweeted.
Rep. Mia Love, who represents Utah’s fourth Congressional district, tweeted a statement in support of the action, saying it was a “decisive and precise action in reaction to atrocious human rights violations by a murderous regime in Syria. We stand together as a nation. God bless our brave servicemen and women who are in harm’s way and serving our country.”