(CNN) - Evidence shows the Syrian regime used sarin gas in an attack on its people, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union."
"Blood and hair samples that have come to us through an appropriate chain of custody from east Damascus from first responders -- it has tested positive for signatures of sarin," Kerry said.
The evidence -- which was gathered independently of the United Nations -- strengthens President Barack Obama's call for military action, he said.
"Each day that goes by, this case is even stronger," Kerry said, calling it "an overwhelming case."
The Obama administration says it's clear Syria carried out the attack, despite the regime's denials.
Kerry's announcement Sunday came as the Obama administration worked to win support among lawmakers for a strike on Syria.
U.S. military action appeared imminent until Saturday, when Obama announced he would first seek Congress' approval. Lawmakers come back from recess September 9.
The president's decision quickly drew criticism from those who support and those who oppose a strike.
"We can't understand how you can promise to help those who are being slaughtered every day in the hundreds, giving them false hope, then change your mind and say let's wait and see," said the Syrian National Coalition, a key group of Syrian dissidents.
Iran, a staunch supporter of the Syrian regime, warned the United States will pay a price if it strikes Syria.*
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