House Speaker John Boehner’s (R-OH) office on Monday called on the White House to consult with Congress on the course of action it intends to take with respect to Syria, in response to the Assad regime’s reported use of chemical weapons against its own people.
“The president is commander-in-chief. With that power comes obligations,” read a post on the Speaker’s blog, penned by Boehner spokesman Brendan Buck. “One, of course, is to consult with Congress on the options he sees as a viable response. This consultation has not yet taken place, but it is an essential part of the process. And meaningful consultation should happen before any military action is taken.”
“If U.S. action is imminent, it is our hope that the president doesn’t forget his obligations — to Congress, but, also, to speak directly to the American people.”
Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to make a statement about Syria on Monday afternoon at 2 P.M. ET.
Elsewhere in the Speaker’s office’s blog post:
The eyes of the world are on the United States this week. The Syrian regime has blatantly crossed President Obama’s red line, the White House has acknowledged, by using chemical weapons on its people. The president’s response stands to have significant impact on the outcome of the lengthy Syrian civil war. The options facing the president are complicated, have far-reaching ramifications, and may require significant resources.
That’s why, if he chooses to act, the president must explain his decision publicly, clearly, and resolutely.
Read it here.
