Obama's war

HOUSE REPUBLICANS: We'll Vote On Syria The Week Of Sept. 9

Business Insider,

1 September, 2013

In response to President Barack Obama’s call for Congressional authorization for military action in Syria, House Republican leadership said Saturday that it would consider a measure the week of Sept. 9.

This means that the House will not return before its current recess ends.

Here’s the full statement, from House Speaker John Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy and Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers:

“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 September 9th. This provides the president time to make his case to Congress and the American people.”

It wasn’t immediately clear what would be the plans for the Senate.

The big question, of course, is whether such a measure will pass the House, based on the combination of it being controlled by Republicans while featuring a number of anti-war Democrats.

A senior Republican aide put the onus on Obama to sell military action to Congress.

“Whether or not it passes depends on the WH making the case to Congress, and — more importantly — the American people,” the aide said in an email. “It will also require the White House to provide real answers to the questions that the Speaker and others have raised. “

Obama Admin. Officials: Don’t Rule Out Syria Strike If Congress Disapproves

TPM,

31 August, 2013

Senior officials in the Obama administration said that President Obama may still decide to strike Syria even if Congress disapproves of military action, CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller tweeted Saturday.

Mark Knoller        ✔ @markknoller

Sr. Admin Officials expect Congress to authorize strike against Syria, but don't rule out Pres. Obama might act if Congress disapproves.

8:24 AM - 1 Sep 2013

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The House is set to vote on military action in Syria the week of September 9, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) said in a statement Saturday.

Republicans McCain, Graham say cannot support limited Syria strikes

Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham on Saturday said they could not support isolated military strikes on Syria that are not part of a bigger strategy

Reuters,

31 August, 2013

"We cannot in good conscience support isolated military strikes in Syria that are not part of an overall strategy that can change the momentum on the battlefield, achieve the president's stated goal of (Syrian President Bashar al-) Assad's removal from power, and bring an end to this conflict, which is a growing threat to our national security interests," they said in a statement.