Lawmakers urge Trump to work with them on Syria

Lawmakers say US President Donald Trump needs to work with Congress on a “long-term” Syria strategy following last week’s US missile strike.

The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee says Trump’s decision was a “reaction” to Syria’s use of chemical weapons. Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland says the administration hasn’t been clear on next steps and whether it would escalate a US response if Syrian President Bashar Assad continues his assault on rebel forces with conventional weapons.

The Senate’s No. 2 Republican, John Cornyn of Texas, says Trump’s move sends a strong message to rogue nations, and agrees that the US needs a broader strategy.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina doesn’t think so. He says Trump has the authority to launch additional strikes against Syria.

— AP