The Biden administration briefed congressional leadership before ordering strikes on Iran-backed militias in Syria on Thursday and plans to give lawmakers a full secret briefing earlier next week, the White House said.
The Department of Defense briefed Congressional leaders before the action last night. The administration today briefed the Hill at the member and staff level. There will be a full secret briefing by early next week, ”said White House press secretary Jen Psaki
Jen PsakiBiden “disappointed” in Senate parliamentary ruling, but “respects” decision CORRECTED: Night Defense: COVID-19 Obstructs Investigation of Sexual Assault at Military Academy | Saudi King Biden Speaks Ahead Of Khashoggi Report The Memo: Biden Faces First Major Setback As Teeth Staggers MORE said in a statement.
Psaki also told reporters on board Air Force One President Biden
Joe Biden Biden ‘disappointed’ in Senate parliamentary ruling but ‘respects’ decision Taylor Swift celebrates passage of Donald Trump Jr. calls Bruce Springsteen’s dropped charges ‘liberal privilege’ MORE authorized the strikes to send an “unequivocal message” to Iran that “he will act to protect Americans.”
“The president is sending an unequivocal message that he will act to protect Americans, and when threats are made, he has the right to take action at that time and in the manner of his choice,” Psaki said. “He will also take those actions in a manner that is deliberate and that aims to de-escalate activity in both Syria and Iraq.”
The US military launched air strikes on facilities used by Iranian-backed militias in eastern Syria on Thursday evening in retaliation for missile strikes on US personnel and other interests in Iraq earlier this month.
Pentagon’s top spokesman John Kirby also confirmed on Friday that the Department of Defense had notified Congressional leaders ahead of the strikes and said officials have plans for a full secret briefing early next week.
In addition, the Pentagon made sure to consult with coalition partners prior to the move, and to contact and notify the Russian government just prior to the strike using current deconflict channels.
Kirby also detailed the attack, which was carried out by two F-15 Strike Eagles dropping seven precision guided ammunition “completely destroying nine facilities and partially destroying two facilities, destroying them functionally”.
Preliminary details reveal there were casualties on the scene, but Kirby declined to discuss details, citing an ongoing combat damage assessment.
Some Democrats in Congress have criticized the strikes and demanded immediate briefings, raising questions about the legal authority of the government.
“The American people deserve to listen to the government’s rationale for these strikes and the legal justification for acting without coming to Congress,” Sen. Tim Kaine
Timothy (Tim) Michael Kaine Senators get no timeline on National Guard removal, Capitol fence Democrats in stalemate over minimum wage Democrats plan crackdown on rising drug costs MORE (D-Va.) Said in a statement. “Offensive military action without Congressional approval is not constitutional without extraordinary circumstances. Congress should be fully briefed on this matter as soon as possible. “
Psaki said Biden’s national security team had conducted a legal review prior to the strike and the president was taking action under his Article II authority.
Updated at 2:51 PM