Southern Illinois Congressman John Shimkus says the crisis in Syria is an international issue - not something the U.S. should take the lead on.
The Collinsville Republican says he'll oppose the President's proposal for a strategic strike on Syria - in response to evidence the government there used chemical weapons on civilians. Shimkus says the U.S. shouldn't get involved.
"Does this threaten our neighbors, does this threaten our security? I would argue no. And I would argue that if we intervene, we may be at greater risk. When we attack a sovereign country, regardless of the reason, have we then - in essence - declared war?"
Shimkus says the international community - including the United Nations and the European Union should be leading this response, not one particular nation.
In addition, he says working to oust Syrian President Bashar al Assad may only create a power vacuum - leaving numerous opposition groups to battle for control of the nation
"A lot of those are Islamic radicals that - really - are enemies of the United States. Do we empower them to eventually be the ruling authorities in Syria? Do we threaten our allies by getting involved?"
Congress is expected to be back in Washington next week to take up President Obama's proposals.