Rogers: ‘It Shouldn’t Take Chemical Weapons Usage to Get the U.S. to Stop a Humanitarian Crisis’

House Intelligence Committee chairman Mike Rogers (R., Mich.) continued to urge the administration to take action in Syria on CNN last night, saying the use of chemical weapons has crossed President Obama’s “red line” for U.S. engagement. After assessing “mounting” evidence, Rogers asserted that he believes the Assad regime has configured chemical weapons, showed intent to use them, and has used at least a small quantity.

Although he knows it is a difficult decision, he warned that the president’s indecision on Syria is “dangerous” and that a diplomatic solution could not be reached until American credibility had been regained among opposition forces. “It shouldn’t take chemical weapons usage to get the U.S. to stop a humanitarian crisis of this epic proportion that actually has national security implications [as well],” Rogers said.

On Sunday, Rogers pushed for limited military involvement in Syria, including “small groups with special capabilities” to vet, aid, and train the opposition’s army.