Hoosier lawmakers react to U.S. airstrikes on Syria

(Photo supplied/U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski)

President Donald Trump is using a haunting political phrase “Mission Accomplished” in the aftermath of the U.S.-led airstrikes against Syria.

Back in 2003, then-President George W. Bush spoke under a “Mission Accomplished” banner when he went aboard an aircraft carrier in California to declare that major combat operations in Iraq were over — just six weeks after the invasion.

But the war dragged on for many years after that, and Bush was heavily criticized for his statement.

Trump is tweeting about what he calls “a perfectly executed strike” against Syria. And he’s thanking allies France and Britain “for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!”

Meantime, several members of Indiana’s delegation are issuing statements regarding the U.S. airstrikes:

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski:

“U.S. military action alongside our allies is a necessary and decisive response to the Assad regime’s repeated use of chemical weapons against its own people. Such atrocities will not be tolerated. I am praying for our brave men and women in uniform.”

U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly:

“The recent chemical weapons attack was the latest in a series of barbaric actions by the Assad regime. I support tonight’s international military response, which demonstrates that there are consequences for using chemical weapons on innocent civilians. Now, I want to hear from the president, the military, and our diplomatic leaders on the strategy moving forward.”

U.S. Senator Todd Young:

“It is in America’s national security interests to deter the use of chemical weapons, and the international community must not look the other way as Assad continues to murder his own people. I thank our brave service members and our allies who carried out this military action. I look forward to receiving a full briefing on this latest military action and the administration’s broader strategy in Syria.”

U.S. Rep. Jim Banks:

“Tonight President Trump laid out clearly why the United States must respond to the repeated use of horrific chemical weapons by the Assad regime. I support the President’s decision to authorize targeted action in conjunction with our allies in Great Britain and France. I ask all Hoosiers to join me in praying for our service members carrying out these precision strikes.