Transcripts

TOM: As we have been hearing this afternoon, the Obama administration is busy trying to line up support on Capitol Hill for some sort of military action against Syria. In the House of Representatives, leaders from both parties now say they support US action, but rank and file members of Congress are less sure. And we're checking in with Minnesota's congressional delegation.

Now to DFL Congressman Tim Walz, he represents the 1st Congressional District in Southern Minnesota, and he spent 24 years in the Army National Guard. Last week, Walz called on the White House to consult Congress about action in Syria. And now, he's being consulted. The Walz told me he's unsure just what kind of measure he'd support.

TIM WALZ: Well, we're still gathering the information. I am certainly-- I think it strengthens the democracy that the President understands that this is a decision that needs to come through Congress. And I think we're having that national discussion. I'm certainly having it at every gas pump and grocery store I'm in.

And I have to tell you, Tom, I certainly understand the reprehensible use of these weapons and the violation of all human decency cannot go unnoticed. It certainly has to have a response. I think the question I'm asking and my constituents are asking is that, how did we come to the conclusion that this military strike now, basically unilaterally, if you will, is the right way to go?

I have little doubt that the Assad regime did this. I certainly understand the moral implications, and all of the international norms of not allowing these to be violated. But I also think understanding the unintended consequences and how this makes the situation better needs to be asked. And that's what Congress is doing right now.

TOM: If there is military action, what sort of military action do you think you could support here? And what kind of goal do you think it should have?

TIM WALZ: Well, I think the administration has made it clear that the goal is to send an overall message that these won't happen. They said it's not to punish the Assad regime. I think that's good because it probably won't very much. It's not as if President Assad himself will be targeted. And it's not as if I think this idea that this is a gentleman who's used these weapons on numerous occasions, and of course, used them now.

I'm not certain that a limited military strike, no matter what it looks like, is going to have that effect. And so what I'm at this point asking, I think needs to be asked is, are we just trying to make the case to show the rest of the world we're serious? Because if we were, then I think we should be building the strongest international coalition that the world has seen and bring down unheard of pressure on this tyrant in a way that really makes a difference.

And I think this whole belief that, if we don't act, we lose our credibility and our moral standing, is a false choice. We have numerous options to pursue. And amongst them is you're asking your question, they may all be rejected and a military strike may be the only thing available. I just don't understand why it's the first option and the only option that's being put on the table.

TOM: You mentioned what you're hearing from constituents, as you put it, at the gas pump at the grocery store. What are you hearing? Is there-- can you characterize it for us?

TIM WALZ: Yeah, they-- and I understand that the public-- I think the administration is underestimating what the public knows. They know how horrific this attack was, and they are sickened by it. But they also are asking the very questions that I am, is that what good is it going to do if we do this, and is this the best response?

And I have to tell you, Tom, it is close to unanimous as any issue, while hot button issue split down the middle, whether it's health care or immigration or those, this one does not. The people in Southern Minnesota are very, very leery of us engaging militarily, especially as it's been stated to them now.

TOM: Congressman Walz, thank you very much. I appreciate your time today.

TIM WALZ: Thank you, Tom.

TOM: DFL Congressman Tim Walz represents Minnesota's first Congressional District. He joined us from Mankato. We're learning more about how other members of Minnesota's congressional delegation are planning to vote. Republican Michele Bachmann and DFLers Rick Nolan and Collin Peterson have all said they currently oppose authorizing force in Syria.

And within the last hour, DFL Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued a statement saying, without final legislative language to consider, it is impossible for her to comment. Tomorrow on Morning Edition, Cathy Wurzer will talk with Congressman John Kline, a member of the House Armed Services Committee.