U.S. Sen. Al Franken said he is concerned that current proposals for U.S. military strikes in Syria are "too broad," days after indicating that he was leaning toward support of a Senate resolution authorizing action.
In a statement released today, the Minnesota senator said that he's concerned that plans for military action in the region could lead to U.S. involvement in a broader conflict.
President Obama is meeting with Senate Democrats, including Franken and Amy Klobuchar, this afternoon to make his case for military action in Syria. Obama struggled to muster support, even among Democrats, for a strike in response to alleged chemical weapons attacks against Syrian civilians.
"Over the last several days, I've studied the resolution passed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and I am concerned that its scope is too broad," Franken said. "With the President scheduled to meet with members of the Senate and to address the nation tonight, I urge him to explain how the United States will deal with the risks and unintended consequences of a possible attack and how we will avoid getting mired in a broader conflict."
Last week, Franken said he was leaning toward supporting the Senate resolution.
"I want to know more about the details of that response and its scope before I decide whether to support or oppose this or any resolution in the U.S. Senate," Franken said today.
Klobuchar hasn't said how she'll vote.
