Speaker John A. Boehner sent a letter to President Barack Obama Wednesday seeking a “clear, unambiguous explanation” of how a strike on Syria fits into U.S. objectives and questioning the president’s legal authority to do so absent Congressional authorization.
The Ohio Republican makes clear he believes the consultation with Congress so far has been insufficient, and it comes as numerous House members have signed on to a letter to Obama demanding Congressional authorization before strikes.
“It is essential you address on what basis any use of force would be legally justified and how the justification comports with the exclusive authority of Congressional authorization under Article I of the Constitution,” Boehner said.
The speaker also noted that he has supported Obama’s policies on Syria, including making the use of chemical weapons a “red line” and seeking the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad. But he also asked a long list of questions of the president, including whether he has contingency plans for a counterattack by the Syrian regime and whether he expects to ask for more funding to pay for military action.
“It will take Presidential leadership and a clear explanation of our policy, our interests, and our objectives to gain public and Congressional support for any military action against Syria,” Boehner wrote.
for the entire article and Boehner's letter, click here: http://blogs.rollcall.com/goppers/boehner-sends-letter
The Ohio Republican makes clear he believes the consultation with Congress so far has been insufficient, and it comes as numerous House members have signed on to a letter to Obama demanding Congressional authorization before strikes.
“It is essential you address on what basis any use of force would be legally justified and how the justification comports with the exclusive authority of Congressional authorization under Article I of the Constitution,” Boehner said.
The speaker also noted that he has supported Obama’s policies on Syria, including making the use of chemical weapons a “red line” and seeking the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad. But he also asked a long list of questions of the president, including whether he has contingency plans for a counterattack by the Syrian regime and whether he expects to ask for more funding to pay for military action.
“It will take Presidential leadership and a clear explanation of our policy, our interests, and our objectives to gain public and Congressional support for any military action against Syria,” Boehner wrote.
for the entire article and Boehner's letter, click here: http://blogs.rollcall.com/goppers/boehner-sends-letter
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