Senators: Congress disrespects troops by not authorizing war

Senators demanded that President Obama seek an authorization of use of military force to fight the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) blasted Congress for skirting its duty to pass an authorization before the end of the year, saying it is “disrespectful” to the troops risking their lives.

{mosads}“America is at war,” Kaine said on the Senate floor Wednesday. “Our troops are dying and the fiscal cost to Americans is growing every day.

“We owe it to our troops serving abroad … to do our job and have a debate and vote on a war.”

Kaine said next Monday would mark four months since the president launched the U.S. mission against ISIS, a terrorist group that has killed American and foreign journalists.

Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) joined Kaine of the Senate floor.

“We’re suppose to debate, discuss and have the people discuss before this country is committed to war,” King said. “For us to go home, to take a recess, to say we don’t really want to talk about this is unfair to the American people.”

Obama has deployed 1,400 military advisers to Iraq and Syria. He has said he wants to send 1,500 more troops. The administration has also launched airstrikes against ISIS.