WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate Floor calling on the President to take a leadership role in responding to the threat of ISIL:

“Now that the President has conducted initial consultations with our allies, and stated his objective to degrade and destroy ISIL, it’s time to present a strategy to Congress.

“I hope he will begin to do that today. 

“He needs to identify military objectives, and explain how those ends will be accomplished.

“He needs to present this plan to the Congress and the American people, and where the President believes he lacks authority to execute such a strategy, he needs to explain to the Congress how additional authority for the use of force will protect America.

“The threat from ISIL is real and it’s growing.

“It’s time for President Obama to exercise some leadership in launching a response.

“We know that the administration has authorized military actions to protect American lives.

“Now we need to hear what additional measures will be taken to defeat ISIL.”