The United States is already at war with the Islamic State (ISIS), so it is essential to ensure President Barack Obama has the formal authorization to use the force necessary to protect Americans, says Oklahoma GOP Sen. James Inhofe.
As the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Inhofe introduced a bill this week that would give congressional approval for plans to attack and destroy ISIS.
"We are at war right now,"
Inhofe told MSNBC on Wednesday. "We need to eliminate this question as to whether or not he has the authority."
Inhofe added that passage of the legislation would make moot disagreements among lawmakers about whether the president currently has authorization for military operations against the militant group.
"An AUMF does authorize the president to use force," he said. "Half the members you talk to say he doesn't have authority, have the members say he does have it. He says he has it but he wouldn't object to getting it from Congress. Let's go ahead and do it."
Inhofe cited a
Washington Post-ABC News poll released Monday showing that the vast majority of Americans believe ISIS is a serious threat.
"They're right. You're going to hear tonight, hopefully, a strong statement from [the president] saying, 'This is war. We're going to take out the enemy.' In the meantime, let's give him that authority so at the last minute he can't say, 'Well, I'm not sure I have that authority'," he said.
"We are at war. We are at risk as a nation."