歐巴馬當地時間8月31日在白宮玫瑰園就敘利亞局勢發表聲明，稱確定美國將對敘利亞發起有限範圍的軍事打擊，但目前還沒有確定時間，他將擇機下令。敘利亞方面稱已做好「隨時奉陪」的準備。

AOL:

Obama Says U.S. Should Take Action In Syria, Will Seek Congress' Authorization For Use Of Force

President Barack Obama addressed the crisis in Syria on Saturday, saying he has decided the United States should take military action against regime targets, but that he will seek authorization from Congress before taking action.

"I will seek authorization for the use of force from the American people's representatives in Congress," Obama said during a press conference in the White House Rose Garden.

Obama said any action would"be designed to be limited in duration and scope."

Obama referenced an Aug.21 attack at the start of his remarks, saying"this menace must be confronted."

"The world watched in horror as men, women and children were massacred in Syria in the worst chemical attack of the21st century," Obama said.

"This attack is an assault on human dignity," Obama said, saying it"risks making a mockery" of the use of chemical weapons.

"Make no mistake-- this has implications beyond chemical warfare," Obama said.

According to Reuters, House Speaker John Boehner(R-Ohio) said the House will consider a measure on Syrian military action the week of Sept.9, when lawmakers return from recess.

Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor(R-Va.), Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy(R-Calif.) and Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers(R-Wash.) released the following statement after Obama's remraks:

Under the Constitution, the responsibility to declare war lies with Congress. We are glad the president is seeking authorization for any military action in Syria in response to serious, substantive questions being raised. In consultation with the president, we expect the House to consider a measure the week of September9th. This provides the president time to make his case to Congress and the American people.