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Boehner Criticizes Lack of Syria Consultation in Letter to Obama


I wrote earlier today about how Obama-administration officials continue to make plans for military action against Syria with little thought to their obligation to consult Congress.  

 Many members in both parties are now complaining about the president’s lack of concern for constitutional requirements regarding military intervention. This afternoon, they were joined by House speaker John Boehner. As the Wall Street Journal’s Carol Lee reports:

House Speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio) is sending a letter to President Barack Obama criticizing his level of consultation with lawmakers about potential military action against Syria and demanding a clear explanation of any mission in advance of its start.

Separately, 114 House lawmakers—some 97 Republicans and 17 Democrats—have signed a letter calling on Mr. Obama to seek congressional authorization before embarking on military action in Syria. Together, the letters mark an intensification of pressure on Mr. Obama to consult with Congress about the potential move against Syria for the regime’s alleged use of chemical weapons.