Retaliation against Syria: Schatz, Hanabusa oppose U.S. strike

As President Barack Obama continues to press his case for punitive U.S. military action in Syria, at least two of Hawaii's four-member, all-Democratic congressional delegation say they are opposed to such intervention, while the others are skeptical that the move would accomplish its intended goals or advance U.S. interests.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz have gone on record this week opposing U.S. action against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad, which the U.S. has blamed for an alleged Aug. 21 chemical weapons attack in a rebel-held suburb of Damascus.

"I am a no vote on the resolution," Hanabusa said Wednesday after a campaign event. She said her position has remained unchanged by what she has learned in briefings and after listening to various positions.

She said she would oppose any measure authorizing U.S. involvement in the Syrian civil war. Obama is seeking congressional authorization for military action against Syria; a vote is expected after Congress returns to work Monday.

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Tulsi Gabbard and Mazie Hirono still not committed.