Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger said as a member of the Defense Appropriations Committee, he was notified by the White House before the missiles were launched.
RELATED: US attacks Syrian military with missiles
In a statement Thursday, the congressman said:
"Chemical and biological weapons can't be tolerated anywhere in the world. The atrocities suffered by innocent civilians at the hands of al-Assad are despicable and impermissible. I hope that Russia and Iran stand by the international community in condemning Assad's use of chemical weapons and cooperate in finding an appropriate way forward.
We need a larger, thoughtful strategy to address the situation in Syria, including the defeat of ISIS. Earlier this week, I attended a classified briefing with Secretary Mattis and we discussed Syria and other national security issues. I have full confidence in his understanding of the issues and his leadership in the days ahead."
See also: Senator Ben Cardin reacts to strike on Syria
