President Obama is
meeting today with leaders of Congress from both parties, hoping to build support for a resolution authorizing the use of military force against Syria. In comments before those meetings, he expressed optimism about the prospects for such a resolution and made the case for an attack—including what an attack wouldn't be (full transcript
here):
The key point that I want to emphasize to the American people: The military plan that has been developed by the Joint Chiefs, and that I believe is appropriate, is proportional. It is limited. It does not involve boots on the ground. This is not Iraq, and this is not Afghanistan.
This is a limited, proportional step that will send a clear message, not only to the Assad regime, but also to other countries that may be interested in testing some of these international norms, that there are consequences. It gives us the ability to degrade Assad's capability when it comes to chemical weapons.
It also fits into a broader strategy that we have to make sure that we can bring about, over time, the kind of strengthening of the opposition and the diplomatic and economic and political pressure required so that ultimately we have a transition that can bring peace and stability not only to Syria, but to the region.
President Obama said he expects the vote "as early as next week," saying he believes Congress needs to act "relatively quickly."
8:44 AM PT: After meeting with President Obama, House Speaker John Boehner announced his support for a Congressional resolution authorization the use of military force against Syria.