President Obama has sent Congress a formal request for Authorization for the Use of Military Force to combat the Islamic State. The President has cited threats ISIS/ISIL poses to Iraq and Syria, plus the issue of stability in the region, and the national security of the US. According to USA Today, the request authorizes a military presence against ISIS in the region for three years, but does not endorse “enduring offensive ground combat operations. The authorization would replace the 2002 authorization used to authorize the war in Iraq.

The authorization comes just a day after American Kayla Muelle, who was a hostage of ISIS, was confirmed dead.

Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker said

"Voting to authorize the use of military force is one of the most important actions Congress can take, and while there will be differences, it is my hope that we will fulfill our constitutional responsibility, and in a bipartisan way, pass an authorization that allows us to confront this serious threat,"

According to the three page resolution, he President must also report to Congress "at least" every six months on the progress of the fight.

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