‘Obama should seek approval from Congress before further Iraq action’

Barack Obama should seek authorization from Congress before additional military action in Iraq, Representative Barbara Lee said, according to RIA Novosti.

“The President should come to Congress for authorization of any further military action in Iraq,” stated Congresswoman Lee in response to the news of US airstrikes in northwestern Iraq.

“I will continue to call for the President to seek congressional authorization before any combat operations. For too long, Congress has abdicated its Constitutional role in matters of war and peace,” said Lee, who is a Democrat from California and leading co-sponsor of a House resolution approved in July calling on Obama to seek prior approval from Congress before escalating combat in Iraq.

On Thursday, President Obama authorized limited airstrikes against ISIL militants in northwestern Iraq and also humanitarian aid to refugees. This further military action occurred while Congress was on its August recess. According to the language of House Concurrent Resolution 105, which passed the House July 25, “The President shall not deploy or maintain United States Armed Forces in a sustained combat role in Iraq without specific statutory authorization.”

Rep. Lee noted her concern that the limited airstrikes may become more complex, require further US commitment.

“While the President has existing authority to protect American diplomatic personnel, I remain concerned about US mission creep in Iraq and escalation into a larger conflict, which I oppose,” Lee concluded.