Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) warned President Donald Trump Wednesday against using military force in Syria without congressional approval.
Lee, who has consistently called for an end to the war in Afghanistan, worries that U.S. involvement in Syria could lead to another seemingly-endless foreign war.
“As news reports continue to indicate impending U.S. military action against the Assad regime in Syria, I again implore President Trump to consult with Congress before engaging our armed forces,” Lee wrote on Twitter.
“The Russian government has stated that it will not only seek to strike down our missiles, but also fire upon the source that sends them. Using the 48-hour notification window in the War Powers Act is not enough when the U.S. or our service members are not in immediate danger of imminent attack.”
On Monday, Lee issued a similar warning against premature military intervention from the U.S. in a press release.
“The use of chemical weapons absolutely requires a response from the United States,” the release said. “But if that response is going to include military force, the President of the United States should come to Congress and ask for authorization before military force is used.”
In the Senate, Lee has been joined by fellow conservative Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who has also expressed concerns over military intervention in Syria.
“Promising war by tweet, insults not only the Constitution but every soldier who puts their life on the line,” Paul tweeted, referring to Trump’s Tuesday tweet singling out Russia for attacks in Syria.
“Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and ‘smart!’ You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!” Trump said.
Paul has also been critical of National Security Advisor John Bolton, whose hawkish ways Paul worries will ultimately influence the president.
“I wonder whose terrible idea it was to threaten Russia,” Paul tweeted, linking an article from The Atlantic crediting Bolton with encouraging Trump to take a more threatening stance on Russia.