Sen. Rand Paul has joined the calls for President Barack Obama to seek congressional approval for an extended military campaign to fight Islamic State forces in Iraq.

. @BarackObama needs to come to Congress to authorize any prolonged military action in #Iraq, in particular any troops on the ground.

— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) August 13, 2014

The Kentucky Republican’s statement via Twitter followed comments made Tuesday at a luncheon meeting in Louisville, which were recorded by local news outlet cn|2. “Constitutionally, he should come forward with a plan to Congress and we vote for it or against it. It’s the same way with, you know, bombing Libya, war with Libya or bombing Iraq,” Paul said. “With regard to Iraq … I have an open mind as to exactly what we do.”  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oWYtJjabdw  

Paul said he was open-minded to a variety of U.S. actions, including targeted airstrikes and assistance to the Iraqi government to fight against the threat of the group known as ISIS or ISIL.  

“It shouldn’t be done unilaterally by our president,” Paul said.

The American ppl deserve a full debate & for their leaders to act within the Constitution re: deeper military involvement in #Iraq

— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) August 13, 2014

On Tuesday, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., issued a statement saying that Obama needed to seek approval from Congress .  

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