US lawmakers return from the midterm elections this week determined to give President Barack Obama the money and authority he says he needs to battle the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria.
Congress is expected to quickly approve the president's request for an extra $5.6 billion, while beginning to lay the groundwork for a new Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). While less divisive than the effort to oust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein a decade ago, the debate remains controversial on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers of both parties are deeply skeptical that the Obama administration has a plan for victory.
