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what the consequences of failure might be. Unfortunately, I was left wanting.
• As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have participated in hours of hearings and briefings and even after all of that, I have more questions than answers. What we need is leadership from the Administration. From government agencies overstepping their bounds to a lack of transparency surrounding the Benghazi attack, South Dakotans are reluctant to trust this Administration. President Obama should come to the table with his palms up and have an honest conversation about what engaging in military action would mean for our men and women in uniform. It's time to put political legacies aside and focus on putting America first.
• Ask yourself another question - are we going to start a war because we are strong or because we are weak? The Administration's argument in support of intervention has been muddled to say the least. Secretary Kerry stated that "limited action" does not mean the United States is going to war with Syria, but if the United States was fired upon, we would deem it an act of war that demanded retaliation. Why would Syria respond differently?
• Our nation's credibility is at stake. Without a clear objective and end game, military action would expose our national security to potential retaliation and involvement in a conflict that lacks a clear solution.
• I will not be supporting the president's plan if it comes to a vote in Congress, but I remain hopeful that a legitimate diplomatic solution can be reached. As President Ronald Reagan once said while negotiating with the then-Soviet Union, we must "trust, but verify." Any deal that involves Syria turning over their chemical weapons for destruction must be transparent and verifiable for all nations involved.
• I've heard from thousands of South Dakotans on this issue and would encourage you to reach out and let me know your thoughts. Please send me an email through my website at http://noem.house.gov