Obama to Congress: I Have Authority to Act Against ’Daesh’

Local Editor

US President Barack Obama told congressional leaders on Tuesday that he had the authority he needed to take action to destroy the so-called "Daesh" [ISIL] extremist group, signaling again that the White House would not ask Congress to vote to approve his plan.

In recent weeks, the United States has launched airstrikes targeting Daesh militants in Iraq without authorization from Congress.

The White House said in a statement, "The president told the leaders that he has the authority he needs to take action against ISIL in accordance with the mission he will lay out in his address tomorrow night."

"He reiterated his belief that the nation is stronger and our efforts more effective when the president and Congress work together to combat a national security threat like ISIL," it said. 

Obama met with top Democratic and Republican leaders on Tuesday ahead of a speech on Wednesday evening to lay out his plan to fight the extremist group.
The president will use a keenly awaited prime-time speech on Wednesday evening to outline his administration's plan to defeat ISIL militants. 

Obama huddled with senior congressional leaders to discuss his plans, which officials say will involve a broad international coalition and efforts to choke off ISIL funding and the flow of foreign fighters to the group as well as military action.

The Wednesday speech will attempt to redress criticism that he has been slow to respond to ISIL' seizure of a haven in Syria and Iraq, amid fears terrorists armed with Western passports could train their sights on the US.

Obama will enlist public support for a new military venture at a poignant moment - the eve of the 13th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States.

The White House has been unwilling to say exactly what it wants from Congress, saying it wants "buy in" from lawmakers but stopping short of signaling the president will ask for authorization to take military action.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team