House passes resolution condemning Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. military from northern Syria

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Washington Post

President Trump tried Wednesday to distance the United States from the escalating chaos in northern Syria following the withdrawal of nearly all U.S. troops in the region — dismissing U.S.-allied Kurdish fighters as “no angels” as the outrage over his decision to pull American forces continued to grow on Capitol Hill.

In remarks in the Oval Office, Trump insisted that the ongoing conflict was “between Turkey and Syria” rather than among “Turkey and Syria and the United States” — comments that provoked a fresh round of criticism from congressional Republicans who have said Trump’s decision to withdraw troops allowed the Turkish incursion last week into northern Syria. “They’re no angels. They’re no angels. Go back and take a look,” Trump said as he sat alongside Italian President Sergio Mattarella, whom the White House was hosting for a visit Wednesday. Trump insisted that the Kurds would be fine because they “know how to fight.”

<...>

Separately, the House adopted a resolution on a 354 to 60 vote with four Republicans members voting present that rebuked Trump’s move to pull U.S. troops out of northern Syria — a decision announced Oct. 6 that has found few defenders on Capitol Hill. The strategy is meant to force Trump to sign or veto legislation that scolded his own decision, although Senate Republican leaders have yet to publicly commit to taking up that bill.

“Alliances and values are important,” said Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) speaking out on the House floor. “Walking away from friends is a sad indication of policy that we don't want to support, we don't want to condone. Yes, we want America to be great, but we're also great because of our friends and our allies. Coalitions are not bad. Coalitions strengthen our public policy around the world.”

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-tries-to-distance-us-from-chaos-in-syria-says-kurdish-allies-are-no-angels/2019/10/16/7b6c5ac8-f037-11e9-b2da-606ba1ef30e3_story.html

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Original article -

Breaking: The resolution opposes President Trump's decision to end U.S. operations, calls on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to immediately cease military action, calls on the United States to continue supporting the Kurds — the U.S. partner in battling Islamic State terrorists — and urges the White House to “present a clear and specific plan for the enduring defeat of ISIS.”

The vote in the House came shortly before congressional leaders met at the White House with Trump on Syria.

This is a developing story. It will be updated.

[saidsimplesimon]

1. On to the Senate to die

before it reaches the floor. Mitch's rules, no Senator to speak, just what, a vote to kill the bill?

[yellowcanine]

2. I think it is just a House Resolution so would not go the Senate.

Although a Senator could introduce it in the Senate I suppose.

[saidsimplesimon]

4. thank you, yellowcanine, for the correction

[Perseus]

5. A Democrat should introduce it in the Senate to force the republicans to vote

If/when they vote against it, then let the World know of republicans treasonous action, and pound it every time they can.

[BumRushDaShow]

9. Actually looking at the rest of the article, it would go there

/snip

All members of the House GOP leadership team were among the 129 Republicans who supported the resolution. A few notable Republican members opposed it, including the leaders of the pro-Trump House Freedom Caucus; Rep. Tom Reed (N.Y.), co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus; and Rep. Greg Pence (Ind.), the vice president’s brother.

The House strategy is meant to force Trump to sign or veto legislation that scolded his own decision, although Senate Republican leaders have yet to publicly commit to taking up that bill.

“Alliances and values are important,” said Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) speaking out on the House floor. “Walking away from friends is a sad indication of policy that we don't want to support, we don't want to condone. Yes, we want America to be great, but we're also great because of our friends and our allies. Coalitions are not bad. Coalitions strengthen our public policy around the world.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-tries-to-distance-us-from-chaos-in-syria-says-kurdish-allies-are-no-angels/2019/10/16/7b6c5ac8-f037-11e9-b2da-606ba1ef30e3_story.html

It's possible that someone like Romney would make the attempt but naturally it is up to Turtle.

[Rebl2]

14. Shimkus sad about Trump

walking away from friends-allies? He’s been doing this the last two and half years! Why are you just now speaking up?

[BumRushDaShow]

16. Maybe because

there are a few others complaining too so he can hide within the group.

[BumRushDaShow]

3. Just posted the update and the vote was 354 to 60

so it may have some support in the Senate as well.... It's just a resolution for a condemnation but has no legislative remedies associated with it.

[Perseus]

6. True, but it has some psychological value to have republicans vote in favour of it.

It should worry the creature.

[BumRushDaShow]

8. I think many GOPers did vote for it because it is basically non-binding

although it does sortof serve as a shot across the bow so to speak.

[question everything]

7. Some hope for republican members of the House?

[olegramps]

10. I have absolutely no respect for any of today's Republicans.

[beachbumbob]

11. why not official censure?

[BumRushDaShow]

12. That will unfortunately go nowhere

at least at this point.

[bucolic_frolic]

13. Stunning Republicans inhale the smelling salts

Probably to protect them when they vote against Articles of Impeachment.

[Hassler]

15. Let's guess how the Freedumb Caucus voted. I'm sure Gym Jordan gave his best Sgt. Schultz.

[BumRushDaShow]

17. "Let's guess how the Freedumb Caucus voted."

From the OP article -

All members of the House GOP leadership team were among the 129 Republicans who supported the resolution. A few notable Republican members opposed it, including the leaders of the pro-Trump House Freedom Caucus; Rep. Tom Reed (N.Y.), co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus; and Rep. Greg Pence (Ind.), the vice president’s brother.