Brookfield Eye on the Beltway: Syria Conflict Simmers in Washington

BLUMENTHAL, LIEBERMAN Senators in Washington D.C. from both parties continue denouncing the conflict in Syria. Sen. Richard Blumenthal

“Since the start of this conflict, the Syrian regime brutalized its own people, leaving thousands dead as it commits horrific crimes against humanity including the abduction and torture of children,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal in a statement. “Now is the time for President Obama to use his authority to document such crimes and for the international community to hold Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accountable for these atrocities.

A joint statement by Sen. Joe Lieberman dramatically urged action.

“These are the realities in Syria today, and by refusing to recognize them, the international community is only enabling Assad to continue killing. The United Nations cannot be seen as an ineffective body that is fiddling while Syria burns."

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DELAURO: Officials in the Catholic Church are concerned about a GOP-backed budget that passed the House of Representatives. While the Senate is expected to vote down the plan, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro reportedly thinks those officials should start a public campaign opposing the budget. It has been several years since a federal budget was approved by the legislature.

“DeLauro told [Catholic News Service] that the budget deserved as much attention from Cardinal Dolan and the nation's bishops as that being given in a two-week campaign in support of religious freedom June 21-July 4.

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HIMES: U.S. Rep. Jim Himes is hoping for a third term and has the benefit of a lot of cash to help make that happen. According to the Westport News, Himes had $1.3 million on hand as of March 31. Republican challengers Stephen Obsitnik and Christopher Meek have $558,445 and $53,178, respectively.

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MURPHY: Some – but not all – candidates for U.S. Senate have released their 2011 tax records. U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy is among those who did, as reported by the New Haven Register.