One day after Barack Obama said the United States has an obligation as a world leader to respond to the suspected Aug. 21 chemical-weapons attack on Damascus, the president delivered a statement from the White House Rose Garden about the Syria crisis on Saturday.
Obama, who has been contemplating a "limited" military strike with no U.S. troops on the ground, said he's prepared to take action against Syria but will not act until after Congress reconvenes for a debate and vote. Congress is scheduled to return from recess Sept. 9.
"In a world with many dangers, this menace must be confronted," Obama said shortly before 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, with Vice-President Joe Biden by his side.
"We are prepared to strike whenever we choose," he continued, adding that the strike is not time-sensitive. "It will be effective tomorrow, next week or one month from now."
The U.S. government suspects Syrian President Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons against civilians, killing an estimated 1,429 people in last week's alleged chemical attack.
Obama called the attack "the worst chemical-weapons attack in the 21st century," and emphasized the more than 400 children killed: "young girls and boys gassed to death by their own government."
Watch Obama's 10-minute statement in the video, below.
Following the speech, British Prime Minister David Cameron used Twitter to express his support for Obama's strategy. This week, Cameron had his military-strike plans voted down by the UK parliament, 285 to 272.
I understand and support Barack Obama's position on #Syria.— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) August 31, 2013
Meanwhile, House GOP leaders issued this joint statement after Obama's speech:
“Under the Constitution, the responsibility to declare war lies with Congress. We are glad the president is seeking authorization for any military action in Syria in response to serious, substantive questions being raised. In consultation with the president, we expect the House to consider a measure the week of September 9th. This provides the president time to make his case to Congress and the American people.”
Other lawmakers tweeted reactions to Obama's plan and timeline for military action:
Proud of the President. Congressional authorization for action in Syria won't be easy, but it's the right thing to do.— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) August 31, 2013
Stand ready to debate and vote on military action even before sept 9 or 10. Will need more evidence of threat to U.S. Security.— Rep. Lee Terry (@LEETERRYNE) August 31, 2013
It's illegal to support al-Qaeda & associated forces, but that's precisely what Pres Obama proposes we do in #Syria. No coherent strategy.— Justin Amash (@repjustinamash) August 31, 2013
I don't know many in Congress (outside of usual suspects) who support attack on #Syria based on current arguments put forward by Obama admn.— Justin Amash (@repjustinamash) August 31, 2013
I've been urging Speaker to call us back into session -- it is essential that we be called back into session immediately. #Syria— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) August 31, 2013
#Syria is not a judgment to be made by Congress in haste, & consultation with Administration needs to intensify. Will continue to be briefed— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) August 31, 2013
President Obama has responded to congressional critics and is seeking legislative authorization on Syria. Congress must come back— Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) August 31, 2013
I call on Speaker Boehner to convene the House to debate and vote on Syria by Wednesday of next week— Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) August 31, 2013