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Boehner Would Back Ground War to Destroy ISIS, Willing to Bring Congress Back for AUMF

Boehner told Obama that a vote on an immigration overhaul will not be coming to the House floor this year, the president said. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
Boehner told Obama that a vote on an immigration overhaul will not be coming to the House floor this year, the president said. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Updated 9:05 a.m. | Speaker John A. Boehner would back a ground war to destroy ISIS, and would bring Congress back to Washington to vote if President Barack Obama proposed a new Authorization to Use Military Force (AUMF).  

Boehner, R-Ohio, who last week said an authorization vote should not be held in the lame duck session , said in an interview with ABC’s “This Week” that he would back a vote if the president proposed a new AUMF now.  

“I’d bring the Congress back,” Boehner said. He said earlier that he thinks Obama has the authority to act on his own against ISIS — also known as ISIL or the Islamic State — “but the point I’m making is this is a proposal that the Congress ought to consider.” Boehner denied suggesting to the president that if it came up now it would splinter both parties and might not pass.  

Boehner, meanwhile, said he didn’t believe the president’s strategy will destroy ISIS.  

“At some point somebody’s boots have to be on the ground. …maybe we can get enough of these forces trained to get ‘em on the battlefield. But somebody’s boots have to be there,” Boehner said.  

Asked if Boehner would recommend American boots if no one else will step up, Boehner didn’t hesitate.  

“We have no choice. These are barbarians. They intend to kill us. And if we don’t destroy them first, we’re gonna pay the price,” Boehner said.  

You can read the full interview at ABC.

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