WASHINGTON (AP) — The debate is on as congressional lawmakers begin considering President Barack Obama's request that they authorize a military strike on Syria to punish the Assad regime for an alleged chemical attack on its own people.
Leaders in Congress planned for a vote on the authorization soon after lawmakers return from their summer recess on Sept. 9. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee scheduled a hearing on Obama's request for Tuesday, and classified and unclassified briefings for senators were being planned ahead of the vote as well.
Opposing views began to emerge within hours of the president's address Saturday in the White House Rose Garden. While some lawmakers said they would need more information and discussion about the consequences of attacking Syria, others appeared to have already taken positions.
Arguing for a strategy that seeks to end Syrian President Bashar Assad's rule, Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina issued a joint statement saying that any operation should be broader than the "limited" scope Obama has described.
