On the recordNovember 12, 2014
It is a responsibility of the Congress.
Source
congress.govIt is a responsibility of the Congress.
Emphasizes Congress's role in authorizing military force.
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More from Chuck Hagel
There's a perception that it is the military's responsibility to fix the problem. Problems are not fixed by militaries.
I believe the President has the statutory and constitutional authority to take the action that he is doing to protect this country.
I mean, not to capture him, but to get him back, and to do that, if it would have taken another course of action or if we would have taken another option, that would have put our men and women at risk.
If Congress would not agree to that request, it would be a pretty devastating message that we send to the world.