FROM THE USA TODAY
WASHINGTON— President Obama said on Saturday that he was ready to take military action against Syrian President Bashar Assad, but that he will seek the approval of Congress before carrying out a military strike.
Obama says Congressional leaders have agreed to schedule a debate and vote when they return to session. The president did not say if he’d forgo a strike if Congress disapproves.
“This attack is an assault on human dignity,” Obama said. “It also presents a serious danger to our national security.”
The remarks came amid a flurry of briefings for skeptical lawmakers by the president’s national security team. The shouts from hundreds of activists outside the White House protesting against military action could be heard from the Rose Garden shortly before Obama spoke.
