The White House has confirmed that President Barack Obama will submit a formal request to Congress for authorisation to use military force against Islamic State (ISIS) fighters. Press Secretary Josh Earnest stated on Tuesday that the administration would present the text of an Authorization to Use Military Force (AUMF) ‘relatively soon’, possibly within the week.
The request follows extensive consultations between White House officials and lawmakers over the past month. A source familiar with the discussions told Reuters that the final text and timing would not be finalised until all feedback is considered. Both Republicans and Democrats have noted unusually close cooperation on the issue.
The White House emphasised the importance of bipartisan support, with Earnest saying that a resolution passed by both parties would send a ‘more powerful’ message. Lawmakers expect to receive at least an outline of the proposal as early as Wednesday, with hearings and a vote anticipated in March after Congress returns from recess on 20 February.
The push for action has been fuelled by outrage over the death of American aid worker Kayla Mueller, confirmed by President Obama on Tuesday. In a statement, Obama praised her humanitarian work and vowed to bring her killers to justice. He also suggested that at least one other American is being held hostage by ISIS in the region.
