Obama prepares for possible action against Syria

More than one quarter of the 435-member House has signed a letter authored by Rep. Scott Rigell, R-Va., calling on the president to seek a formal vote for congressional authorization for action in Syria. Boehner has stopped short of calling for a vote, but has publicly chided the president for not making a strong enough case to either Congress or the public.

Following a private call with the president on Thursday, Brendan Buck, a spokesman for Boehner said “it is clear that further dialogue and consultation with Congress, as well as communication with the American public, will be needed.”

The White House is unlikely to seek formal congressional approval, but Earnest said the White House is making an effort to consult closely with Congress.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Friday the Obama administration was consulting with allies to “further develop the facts” about last week’s alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria, and options for a response.

Contributing: Aamer Madhani in Washington, Melanie Eversley in New York, Associated Press

Article Appeared @http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/08/29/white-house-syria-congress-consult/2730765/

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