Offensive in Iraq complicates Obama battle with Congress

The administration’s plan for a spring offensive against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is quickly complicating the White House’s effort to win congressional approval of a new measure authorizing military action against the terrorist group.

Plans for Iraqi forces backed by the United States to retake Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, are increasing the urgency felt by Democrats to rule out the use of U.S. ground troops.

“It is imperative that Congress and the American people understand what role U.S. troops will play,” said Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus who wants language ruling out the use of ground troops in any military force authorization. 

Republicans, for their part, want to make sure the U.S. military isn’t handcuffed by language that would prohibit the use of ground troops who might assist Iraqi troops — who retreated from Mosul last year as ISIS captured the city.

Read the full article at The Hill.