McConnell: Seeking Congress OK bolsters presidency

WASHINGTON — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell says the president's role as commander in chief is strengthened when he has the support of lawmakers.

McConnell made the comment in a statement confirming President Barack Obama's announcement that he had told congressional leaders he wanted to punish Syria for a chemical weapons attack but would first seek congressional approval.

Lawmakers had widely called for Obama to include Congress in the decision under the War Powers Act.

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