SEP 6TH - 5:29 PM
President Obama announced today that he’ll address the nation on Tuesday to press his case for striking the Syrian regime over its chemical weapons use.
U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-8th District says that “shows a fundamental lack of understanding of the process by him to wait until the night before the Senate vote to address the American people.”
He continued: “I think, for many members, it’s going to be too late because we’re going to probably draw our conclusions before that point.”
My colleague, Time Warner Cable News Washington reporter Michael Scotto, interviewed Hudson outside the Capitol subway system today.
An increasing number of lawmakers are speaking out against military action in Syria. Hudson is currently undecided.
“This is such a very serious decision we got to make,” he said. “I do believe chemical weapons were used by the Assad regime. I think that’s horrific. I think it’s something the international community has the responsibility to act upon and try to prevent from happening again. It’s a very serious matter. So I’ve tried to give it very serious consideration.”
Hudson acknowledged that many of his constituents do not support the president’s proposal. In fact, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll, nearly six in 10 Americans oppose missile strikes.
Hudson said his decision will be informed by what’s in the best interest of the United States — even if it means voting against the will of his constituents.
“They elected me to make my best judgments,” Hudson said.
UPDATE: Republican Rep. Richard Hudson released a statement this evening, saying he would not vote to authorize a U.S. military strike against Syria: “Up to this point, President Obama and his Administration have not done a credible job in demonstrating strength of conviction in the region and sending cruise missiles into Damascus now isn’t going to change that. I do not believe it is in our best interest to take the military action currently proposed by the President against Syria.”
Here’s where the rest of the state’s congressional delegation stands on giving President Obama authorization to take military action in Syria:
Sen. Richard Burr: Supports action, but no boots on the ground
Sen. Kay Hagan: Supports action, but no boots on the ground
Rep. George “G.K.” Butterfield Jr., D-1st District: Undecided
Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-2nd District: Does not support action
Rep. Walter Jones Jr., R-3rd District: Does not support action
Rep. David Price, D-4th District: Undecided on action, but no boots on the ground
Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-5th District: Undecided
Rep. Howard Coble, R-6th District: Does not support action
Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-7th District: Undecided
Rep. Richard Hudson, R-8th District: Does not support action
Rep. Robert Pittenger, R-9th District: Undecided
Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-10th District: Awaiting response
Rep. Mark Meadows, R-11th District: Leaning against
Rep. Melvin “Mel” Watt, D-12th District: Undecided
Rep. George Holding, R-13th District: Leaning against
