GOP leader: Obama may act in Iraq without signoff
Source: AP-Excite
By JULIE PACE and DONNA CASSATA
WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama and congressional leaders believe he does not need authorization from Congress for some steps he might take to quell the al-Qaida-inspired insurgency sweeping through Iraq, the Senate's top Republican and Capitol Hill aides said after the president briefed senior lawmakers Wednesday.
Still, the prospect of the president sidestepping Congress raises the potential for clashes between the White House and rank-and-file lawmakers, particularly if Obama should launch strikes with manned aircrafts or take other direct U.S. military action in Iraq. Administration officials have said airstrikes have become less a focus of recent deliberations but have also said the president could order such a step if intelligence agencies can identify clear targets on the ground.
Obama huddled in the Oval Office for over an hour to discuss options for responding the crumbling security situation in Iraq with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
Speaking to reporters as he returned to the Capitol, McConnell said the president "indicated he didn't feel he had any need for authority from us for steps that he might take."
FULL story at link.
Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20140619/us--united_states-iraq-3d2e3b13a0.html
Senate Minority Whip John Cornyn of Texas speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 17, 2014, after a Republican strategy session. President Barack Obama will meet with Congressional leaders at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the turmoil in Iraq. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
rpannier
(24,304 posts)Because if something goes bad, they can just blame him and play the victim card
"He didn't consult us. It's all his fault."
The_Casual_Observer
(27,742 posts)That we thought was such a great idea.
Fearless
(18,421 posts)Just one.
liberal N proud
(60,302 posts)The minute he takes action without their approval, they will jump all over it
leftynyc
(26,060 posts)You can bet whatever the President decides to do he's going to make sure he gets approval from Congress.
rtracey
(2,062 posts)Its a set-up Mr. President, if you act in Iraq, go to the congress and let them know. The right hates you and this country and will do ANYTHING to attempt to smear you more. If you get confirmation from the congress, they can't come back at you later, although the right is come at you on all sides for something Bush signed in approval in 2008, all troops out by 2011....
Pauldg47
(640 posts)...do not listen to these set-up freeks!!!! Do not listen especially to John Cornyn !