Trump airstrike gets rare bipartisan praise in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s missile strike against Syria was met with rare bipartisan praise Friday from Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, along with agreement that he must seek approval before going much further.

Both Republicans and Democrats used similar words in describing Trump’s air strike in retaliation of a Syrian chemical weapons attack. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan called Trump’s action “appropriate and just.” Democratic Rep. Ron Kind, of La Crosse, said it was a “necessary and appropriate response.”

Republican Sen. Ron Johnson said Syria was just one of several global hotspots that require immediate attention.

“Responsible leaders throughout the world must work together with urgency to achieve greater stability — but America will have to lead,” Johnson said.

Former Marine and freshman Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Green Bay, said he supported the air strike because it shows that the U.S. “will not stand idly by while dictators use weapons of mass destruction to murder children.” Kind said it also demonstrates “that the chaos in Syria affects our own national security interests.”

But Gallagher joined with Wisconsin Democrats in saying that before Trump takes further action against Syria, he must consult with Congress and regional allies.

Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin called the missile strike a “measured response” but said she was “concerned by the lack of a clear and comprehensive strategy for Syria and the region.” Kind echoed those comments, saying if Trump wants to escalate involvement in Syria he must make the case both to Congress and the American people.

“I have not heard, however, much enthusiasm from Wisconsinites for another prolonged U.S. military involvement in the Middle East,” Kind said.

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