U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) today released the follow statement in response to the U.S. airstrikes in Syria:

"Seeing how the President did a 180 degree shift of his viewpoint on the utility of striking Syria, I hope he will also shift his thinking on Syrian refugee ban. 'No child of God should ever' be shunned from our shores after fleeing civil war and the murderous Assad regime.

"The atrocities committed by Assad certainly required a response and the Russians must explain how chemical weapons remain in Syria. Entering a complex civil war, the Administration must inform Congress and the American people about strategic plans, goals to be achieved, and views on regime change. And critically, any escalation of American military operation in Syria requires a specific authorization by the Congress. We recently have increased our troop presence in the region and I worry they are in harms way without a long term plan."