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WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bipartisan coalition of Senators introduced a resolution today strongly condemning the escalating crackdown in Syria, warning that President Bashar Al Assad has lost legitimacy and urging President Obama to ratchet up the pressure on his regime. The resolution, introduced by Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), is cosponsored by Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bob Casey (D-PA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mark Kirk (R-IL), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH).

The bipartisan resolution calls for the expansion of targeted U.S. sanctions against Syrian officials responsible for human rights abuses, including against President Assad personally, and for the Obama Administration to work at the United Nations Security Council to hold Syrian human rights abusers accountable. The resolution also expresses unambiguous support for the aspirations of the Syrian people, as they continue peaceful protests in the streets of cities and towns across their country despite a dramatically heightened campaign of barbaric violence against them by the Syrian regime, and urges President Obama to speak out directly and personally about the situation in Syria.

“At precisely the moment when the Assad regime is sharply escalating its brutal crackdown in an attempt to crush peaceful protesters, this resolution sends a strong bipartisan message that the United States—together with our international partners—needs to ratchet up our support for the Syrian people along with pressure against the Syrian government,” said Senator Joe Lieberman. “Bashar Al Assad’s legitimacy has run out, and it is time for us to align ourselves unambiguously with the aspirations of the Syrian people for a peaceful, democratic future.”

“This is a significant moment in the Middle East, and I believe America should be on the right side of the historic change that is sweeping across the region. In our words and actions, it should be clear that America is on the side of the Syrian people and that we support their right to peacefully pursue a better future for their country. We must also send an important message to the Syrian regime that we condemn its crimes and that Bashar al Assad should no longer be treated as the legitimate ruler of Syria,” said Senator Marco Rubio.