Just don't call them a rubber stamp
by digby
So here's our grand congressional debate and respect for the separation of powers that everyone's been clamoring for. I'm sure you'll be shocked to know that they'll ok the operation, after all. They just want the president to file some reports on a regular basis to keep them in the loop:
House Republicans expect to unveil legislation Monday evening that would give President Obama the authority to arm and train moderate Syrian rebels, but with some limits on that authority.
The House Armed Services Committee is drafting the bill in consultation with the administration. It is expected to take the form of an amendment to a stopgap-spending bill that would keep the government funded through Dec. 11, according to a senior committee aide.
Votes on the spending bill and the Syrian aid could come as soon as Wednesday.
The measure includes several provisions intended to satisfy Republicans and Democrats worried about giving the administration blanket authority to arm and train rebel groups, who would be used in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
It would require Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to submit the administration's plan for training the moderate opposition 15 days before the commencement of any such activities, the aide said. That requirement was put forward by the administration, the aide added.
After that, Hagel would have to submit an update to lawmakers every 90 days.
Members want to “keep tabs” on the number of Syrian rebel troops trained and deployed, as well as how effective they are on the battlefield and what's happened to the equipment they've used, the aide explained.
I guess they told the president what was what. Glad we have the congress fully engaged on this important matter of war and peace.
Oh, and by the way, if there's one thing on which these congressional over-seers do disagree with the president it's his unwillingness to put boots on the ground.
Republicans like war. Most Democrats do too. If the polls say the people are for it you had better bet they will be too.
.
.