Obama on ISIS Strikes in Syria: Has 'Bipartisan Support,' But No Sign of Actual Vote
President Barack Obama gave a prepared speech this morning about our launch of airstrikes against ISIS within the borders of Syria. As is typical, his comments suggest this is something we all as Americans agreed to do together despite any sort of legal authorization for this action whatsoever. From his speech this morning:
Good morning, everybody. Last night, on my orders, America's armed forces began strikes against ISIL targets in Syria. Today, the American people give thanks for the extraordinary service of our men and women in uniform, including the pilots who flew these missions with the courage and professionalism that we've come to expect from the finest military that the world has ever known.
Earlier this month, I outlined for the American people our strategy to confront the threat posed by the terrorist group known as ISIL. I made clear that as part of this campaign the United States would take action against targets in both Iraq and Syria so that these terrorists can't find safe haven anywhere. I also made clear that America would act as part of a broad coalition. And that's exactly what we've done.
He mentions the bipartisan support for arming and training Syrian rebels (or rather, the Syrian rebels who aren't members of ISIS, who are also rebels, but not the right rebels), which at least passed with a vote. Later in the speech, he says:
I've spoken to leaders in Congress and I'm pleased that there is bipartisan support for the actions we are taking. America is always stronger when we stand united, and that unity sends a powerful message to the world that we will do what's necessary to defend our country.
Well, if there's bipartisan support for these actions and we're all standing united, then it should be a breeze for him to get a new authorization for the use of military force to combat ISIS in Syria, right? But no, there's nothing in the speech that suggests a Congressional vote is coming.
Read the full speech here.