Should The U.S. Strike Syria? Rep. Andy Barr Weighs In

President Obama wants congressional approval to strike Syria. 

Representative Andy Barr says voting to use military force, or to send troops into harm’s way is the most solemn vote he can take. 

Barr says right now, he would not authorize a strike on Syria.

Barr wants to know how striking Syria helps the U.S.

"It’s highly doubtful whether, or not we would achieve any objectives militarily, or otherwise that would advance the interests of our country," said Rep. Andy Barr, (R) Kentucky.

The Obama administration says the Syrian government killed more than 1,400 of its own people with chemical weapons. 

Barr says he doesn’t doubt they used chemical weapons, and he calls the attack a calamity, but Barr wants to know what the objective is for a U.S. military strike.

"This President has said for two-and-a-half years that American involvement in the Syrian civil war is not in the interest of the United States," said Barr.

For the President, the use of chemical weapons crossed a red-line.  Here’s Andy Barr’s criteria for U.S. intervention.

"I want to make sure I can look those men and women in the eye, and their families in the eye, and know that that decision has been made for the exclusive purpose of advancing the national security of the United States.  That case has not been made to congress.  That case has not been made to the American people," said Rep. Andy Barr.

All congressmen return to the capitol next Monday.  A vote could come early next week.