Delay military action in Syria until the U.S. Congress has been given time to provide authorization by means of a vote.

The situation in Syria differs from that of Afghanistan, where U.S. interests were clearly a motivating factor and the UN provided authorization under international law. It also differs from the Libyan intervention, which required immediate action in order to prevent a imminently foreseeable massacre and also proceeded from a UN decree. Due to the fact that the national interest in this case is far from clear, and that the efficacy of the action is not tied to its immediacy, we petition the President to refrain from unilateral action until such time as the legislative branch is able to hold debate and provide guidance in the form of an authorizing resolution, consistent with the United States Constitution and the War Powers Act. The Congress should be recalled from recess at this time.