WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is blaming the Syrian government for using deadly chemical weapons in what he calls a “clear violation of human decency.”
In remarks in the Senate on Monday, the Democratic leader said failure of the United States to respond would embolden hostile forces worldwide.
Reid made the remarks as President Barack Obama faces stiff resistance from Democrats and Republicans to his request for the authority to use military force against Syria.
The U.S. blames the Assad government for a chemical weapons attack that killed more than 1,400 civilians last month.
Reid said the Senate will be voting to uphold a century-long tradition that chemical weapons have no place on the battlefield. Reid moved for a key test vote on Wednesday.