WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — At issue is a request from Obama for legislation authorizing the use of military force against the Daesh. Lawmakers have been reluctant to comply, saying the president has all the authority needed from prior laws authorizing a response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States, and a separate authorization in 2002 to invade Iraq.
"ISIS [Islamic State] is expanding its reach in many regions; this [Libya] is one of the most troubling ones," Ryan said. "This is why in the… Defense Authorization bill, we passed a law requiring a comprehensive plan to defeat ISIS. We have yet to see that from the president."
Many members of Congress have criticized Obama for being too tepid in what they call the president’s ad-hoc approach to the war against the Islamic State.
US Department of Defense officials have said there are up to 6,500 Islamic State fighters in Libya, more than double the estimates less than six months ago.
According to published reports, the Obama is considering recommendations by some military advisers to open a third front in Libya.
