McConnell to Obama: “Exercise Some Leadership”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate's top Republican says it's time for President Barack Obama to "exercise some leadership in launching a response" to the Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

Mitch McConnell spoke in advance of a White House meeting this afternoon between the president and congressional leaders from both parties. He says Obama needs to identify military objectives and explain how they will be accomplished.

Obama's spokesman says, "The president believes this is a high national security priority."

White House officials have said Obama is looking to get lawmakers on board with the strategy he will outline tomorrow night in a speech to the American people. But they haven't said whether Obama will seek a formal authorization for military action. And there's no consensus in Congress on whether he needs that authorization. Some lawmakers say he has the authority under the Constitution.

House Speaker John Boehner (BAY'-nur) says the Islamic State group is a serious threat that must be dealt with in Iraq, Syria or wherever they exist. He says no decision will be made on whether Congress will vote until Obama lays out his plan.

But the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Republican Buck McKeon, says it's highly unlikely there will be a vote this month.