Boehner aide: Obama must consult with Congress on Syria

An aide to Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) warned the White House on Monday it must consult with congressional leaders before taking any military action in Syria.

Boehner spokesman Brendan Buck said in a blog post that the president was obligated to “consult with Congress on the options he sees as a viable response.”

{mosads}“This consultation has not yet taken place, but it is an essential part of the process,” Buck continued. “And meaningful consultation should happen before any military action is taken.”

Buck also demanded that the president “explain his decision publicly, clearly and resolutely” if he decides to act.

“More than just to Congress, the president has an obligation to the American people to explain the rationale for the course of action he chooses; why it’s critical to our national security; and what the broader strategy is to achieve stability,” Buck wrote.

Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday laid out the case for airstrikes against Syria, arguing that country’s government had undeniably used chemical weapons. He also said the administration was “actively consulting” with members of Congress. 

Earlier on Monday, Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) told MSNBC that an American “response is imminent” in Syria.

“I talked last evening in the situation room and we’re building support with NATO allies,” Coker said. “Our assets are in place. I don’t think there’s any question in our administration’s mind that chemical warfare has been used.”

—This story was posted at 1:36 p.m. and updated at 3:22 p.m.