A Connecticut Democrat is calling for lawmakers to return early to Washington from recess to work on the “serious situation in Iraq” as the White House considers military options.
“The extreme violence and latest political unrest witnessed in Iraq has brought to light old and new questions about the region. As President Obama’s administration weighs several options, Congress should be fully engaged,” Rep. John Larson said in a statement Tuesday.
{mosads}The president ordered military strikes on Aug. 8 after the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) moved toward Kurdish Iraq, where the U.S. has a consulate and where thousands of Americans live.
The U.S. has also reportedly begun conducting manned and unmanned surveillance flights over Syria to gather intelligence, which could pave the way for military action against ISIS there.
Although lawmakers have been on break, many have weighed in on the developing military campaign in Iraq via TV interviews, statements and social media. Some have called for a vote to authorize the airstrikes in Iraq, as well as possible military action in Syria, when they return on Sept. 8.
But Larson said lawmakers should reconvene immediately to tackle the issue “rather than remaining at home second guessing and criticizing the president’s every move.”
“It remains unclear with regard to strikes in Syria whether the president needs congressional authority. It is Congress’s duty to weigh in and clarify. As this serious situation continues to evolve, Congress has the responsibility to examine the issues and potentially vote on authorizing military force,” Larson said.
“There is no question that Americans are weary of war. Given the gravity of the situation, their elected representatives should be in Washington, working through these issues,” he added.