Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.

Staff Report

In a telephone press conference with New Mexico media this morning, Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., explained his position opposing a limited military strike on Syria.

“The United States has not yet exhausted all political, economic and diplomatic options,” Udall said. “The administration hasn’t made a case that a limited military strike will deter the use of chemical weapons. If our goal is to save lives, a military strike is not the best response.”

The American people and the international community are not behind the President’s proposed military action, he said, adding that the Arab League has endorsed a Russian proposal to place Syria’s chemical weapons under international control in a move that could bring about a peaceful resolution.

Udall promised to carefully monitor the situation and take any new intelligence into account as the situation continues to unfold.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., has expressed support for the President’s position advocating a limited military response.

President Barack Obama is expected to seek support from the American people for a missile strike in a prime-time address this evening in the aftermath of chemical attacks by the Syrian government on its own citizens.