After promising both Congress and the American people of “overwhelming’ evidence of the Syrian government’s use of chemical weapons against its own people, the Obama administration held a special meeting with Congressional leaders to share some of the intelligence data with them in an effort to convince them to give President Obama the political support to act militarily against the Assad government. It appears that meeting was less than convincing though.

(via The Washington Post)

After classified briefing, lawmakers skeptical on Syria attack

The Obama administration’s request for U.S. military intervention in Syria would not pass the Congress as written because it is too broad, a senior senator said Sunday after a classified briefing on the situation.

Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), the dean of the Senate, told reporters after the meeting that the resolution seeking military force is “too open ended” as written. “I know it will be amended in the Senate,” he said.

Leahy’s comments echoed the views of dozens of lawmakers who left the briefing and said they want to see the resolution more closely resemble President Obama’s own pledge that any strike be limited in scope.

…As head of the House GOP Conference, McMorris Rodgers potentially holds sway over several potential Republican votes. But she said she remains undecided.

“It’s a difficult decision,” she said. “I have a lot of concerns. I’m skeptical, but I’m going to listen and continue to learn.”

Lawmakers who exited the briefing early also expressed skepticism about the presentation, saying they expect to hear more from the Obama administration in the coming days.

continue article at The Ulsterman Report:

http://theulstermanreport.com/2013/09/02/obama-administration-reviews-syria-evidence-with-congress-congress-remains-skeptical/