House Speaker John Boehner said Tuesday he backs the Syrian airstrikes ordered by President Obama as “one step,” in the mission to eliminate the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
The group “is a direct threat to the safety and security of the United States and our allies,” the Ohio Republican said. “I support the airstrikes launched by the president, understanding that this is just one step in what must be a larger effort to destroy and defeat this terrorist organization. I wish our men and women in uniform Godspeed as they carry out this fight.”
Boehner released the statement after Obama, in a public address, said the United States is going after the Islamic State with the help of neighboring Arab nations.
He made no reference in his statement to what, if anything, Congress will do to address a broader authorization for the president to use military force in the region.
Congress is adjourned until the week after the Nov. 4 election.
