MOSCOW, November 10 (Sputnik) — US President Barack Obama asked Congress for $5.6 billion on Monday to fight the violent Islamic State (IS) insurgency in Syria and Iraq, a letter posted by Obama's White House Presidential Office said.
In an open letter addressed to Republican House Speaker John Boehner, the US president officially asked Congress to amend the 2015 budget to include additional spending for the Department of Defense and Department of State's overseas contingency operations (OCO).
"These amendments would provide $5.6 billion for OCO activities to degrade and ultimately defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) – including military operations as part of Operation Inherent Resolve," Obama said.
The letter spoke of unidentified "emerging requirements" that were not counted in the June amendment request, including "additional funding necessary to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counterterrorism strategy".
Republicans gained control of the Senate on Tuesday after securing victory in the midterm election. The vote gave the GOP full command of Congress. They also maintained a firm grasp on the House of Representatives.
Republicans have been very critical of Obama's use of authority, accusing him of abusing his executive power. Boehner is now pursuing a lawsuit against Obama over the alleged abuse of power.
