Although he says he’s keeping an open mind on U.S. military action in Syria, Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) was one of several lawmakers to vote against resolution Wednesday that would have authorized the use of force. The vote in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee comes as President Obama seeks Congressional approval to respond to a deadly chemical weapons attack in the country last month.
In a statement, Johnson noted that formal hearings on the resolution started just 25 hours before the vote. The Wisconsin Republican said, “There were so many unanswered questions that I could not even consider voting “yes.” It is unfortunate that a matter of such gravity was so inappropriately rushed.”
The resolution still passed the committee on a 10-7 vote, and the full Senate is expected to take it up next week. Johnson says he will continue to seek answers to his questions before the final vote.
Johnson’s hesitancy highlights continued concerns about military action in Syria among most of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation. U.S. Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Sean Duffy (R-WI) both indicated Wednesday that they plan to vote against any military intervention. U.S. Representatives Reid Ribble (R-WI) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) have both indicated they are leaning towards opposing a strike, but have not made a decision yet. Other members of the delegation have said they are still considering how they will vote on the issue.