This just breaking. President Obama, having determined that a military strike is justified against Syria, now says he will seek Congressional approval first. He has asked congress’s leaders to schedule debate and a vote after Congress returns from recess according to reports from USA Today and MSN News.
Details on the President’s thinking have not yet emerged. Awaiting congressional action will put off the action for at least days as many in Congress have expressed grave reservations about the wisdom of such a strike.
The President remains committed to a limited strike not involving boots on the ground. There is no word on what course he will pursue if Congress fails to approve a Use-Of-Force authorization.
Additional background on this decision was discussed yesterday at TMV in Going it Alone and Lighting the Flames of Impeachment . See also today’s pieces by Patrick Edaburn and Dorian Dewind.
Without broad international support, seeking Congressional approval takes on additional importance, and gaining Congressional approval will put the President in a less lonely and less vulnerable position. While some of us may continue to disagree with the proposed policy, the process now appears to be correct.
Watch the .President’s speech
Check out some of the politicians’ reactions to the news. Mostly positive, but a few odd ones.
Contributor, aka tidbits. Retired attorney in complex litigation, death penalty defense and constitutional law. Former Nat’l Board Chair: Alzheimer’s Association. Served on multiple political campaigns, including two for U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR). Contributing author to three legal books and multiple legal publications.