Week Ahead: Congress debates return to Iraq
A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of June 16.
The crisis in Iraq will dominate Congress’ work behind the scenes next week as lawmakers join the Obama administration in reviewing options for a beefed up US role in a country that risks spiraling out of control.
President Barak Obama vowed June 13 to “consult closely with Congress as we make determinations about appropriate action” in the coming days. Lawmakers have ruled out boots on the ground, but many are open to air strikes, increased US military weapons sales and other forms of aid.
“We will not be sending US troops back into combat in Iraq,” Obama said in a South Lawn address. “But I have asked my national security team to prepare a range of other options that could help support Iraq security forces and I’ll be reviewing those options in the days ahead.”
Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations panel, urged the president to quickly seek congressional authorization for a strong response to the rapid gains by al Qaeda-linked militants.
