Politico
John Boehner to President Obama: Make case for Syrian action
By Jake Sherman 

Speaker John Boehner is urging President Barack Obama to define the United States’ policy and mission in Syria, launching the opening salvo in what’s sure to be a turf battle between Congress and the White House over military intervention in the country. 

The letter, which was sent Wednesday afternoon, urges Obama to “make the case to the American people and Congress for how potential military action will secure American national security interests, preserve America’s credibility, deter the future use of chemical weapons, and, critically, be a part of our broader policy and strategy.” 

Congress is still on its summer recess and is not slated to return until Sept. 9. Key House aides said Wednesday that they did not expect to immediately call Congress back into session. 

Senior Obama administration officials have briefed congressional leaders and committee chairs about the Syrian threat. But Boehner is asking for more answers from the administration, including what it is trying to achieve by a military campaign and whether Obama would consider escalating military involvement if Syrian President Bashar Assad increases his use of chemical weapons. Boehner also asks whether the United States has plans if Assad retaliates against the U.S. and what the administration would do if a terrorist organization gains control of the country... 

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