Texans representing Northeast Texas - all Republicans - either oppose or remain undecided regarding possible U.S. military action in Syria.
According to quotes culled by the New York Times, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz opposes a military strike, while U.S. Sen. John Cornyn takes a more nuanced view.
“We should be focused on defending the United States of America. That’s why young men and women sign up to join the military, not to, as you know, serve as Al Qaeda’s air force,” Cruz said on Sept. 4.
"The president needs to explain in detail what vital national interests are at stake, his plan for securing these interests and a clear definition of what success looks like in Syria," Cornyn said on Sept. 3.
In the U.S. House of Representatives, most of Northeast Texas is in the 4th congressional district, represented by Rep. Ralph Hall, who opposes intervention.
“I have received hundreds of calls and letters from constituents expressing strong opposition to any U.S. involvement in Syria, and I plan to vote no in accordance with their views," Hall said on Sept. 4.
Congressmen representing other nearby districts remain undecided on the matter, though leaning against intervention, according to the report.
Rep. Jeb Hensarling represents the 5th district, including Terrell, Canton and Quitman.
"Asappalled as all Americans are over the Syrian civil war – the use of chemical weapons being the most egregious act amongst a number of atrocities committed thus far – serious questions remain about the precise nature of the president’s proposed response," Hensarling said on Sept. 4.
Rep. Sam Johnson represents the 3rd district, including McKinney and most of Collin County.
"I am confident in our military’s readiness to execute any mission, but it’s our duty to put forth a bold strategy where our goal is to win. I cannot count on the administration to do that, therefore, I cannot vote to put our brave men and women in uniform in harm’s way," Johnson said on Sept. 9.
Rep. Pete Sessions represents the 32nd district, including northeastern Dallas County and southeastern Collin County, was not quoted or identified as having a position in the report.
