Shortly after House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) announced his support for President Barack Obama’s intervention in Syria Tuesday, his spokesman Michael Steel declared that the vote will be an “uphill battle” and that the White House must lead in persuading the public and whipping members.
“The Speaker offered his support for the president’s call to action, and encourages all Members of Congress to do the same,” Steel said in an email. “Now, it is the president’s responsibility to make his case to the American people and their elected representatives. Everyone understands that it is an uphill battle to pass a resolution, and the Speaker expects the White House to provide answers to Members’ questions and take the lead on any whipping effort. All votes authorizing the use of military force are conscience votes for members, and passage will require direct, continuous engagement from the White House.”
