Senator: Congress Should Debate Terrorist Threat

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey says it would be "very healthy" for the United States if members of Congress spend about two weeks getting briefings, holding hearings, and having a real debate about authorizing the use of force against the Islamic State terrorist group.

The Pennsylvania Democrat said in an interview Monday with The Associated Press that even if members believe, as he does, that President Barack Obama has the legal authority to mount an aerial bombing campaign against the terrorist group, a debate and even some votes could be helpful for his strategy.

Casey said the administration also has to prepare the country for a counterterrorism campaign that is going to take years, "and I think we should not only say that, we should have a strategy that reflects that."