House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) thinks broader authorization of military force against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS or ISIL) should be debated after the midterm elections, according to a Thursday report.
But Hoyer said he is hopeful Congress could agree next week to pass a more limited authorization to equip and train vetted Syrian rebels — a request President Obama made during his speech Wednesday outlining his strategy to destroy the terrorist group.
{mosads}”I think at some point in time, when we come back from the elections, I think there will be a consideration of a larger authorization for the use of force,” he said in a CSPAN interview set to air Sunday, according to The Washington Post.
Hoyer said many members agree Congress should take up the debate about broader authorization after the election, when it has a better sense of public perception.
“I think you’re going to see a very robust discussion of exactly that exact issue, among the American people, and that after the election, we’ll come back into session better informed of the public’s view and our constituents’ attitude about what they think ought to be done,” he said.
A debate about war authorization in the lame-duck session could be met with resistance. Two GOP senators have already vowed to stall any substantial nonemergency legislation after the midterms, saying those lawmakers who lose reelection would no longer have accountably.
The administration maintains it already has the authority to expand airstrikes against ISIS — an issue on which some lawmakers disagree. Obama has said, however, he welcomes a vote in Congress to show its support.
“I have the authority to address the threat from ISIL, but I believe we are strongest as a nation when the president and Congress work together,” Obama said during his speech Wednesday. “So I welcome congressional support for this effort in order to show the world that Americans are united in confronting this danger.”