Boehner House GOP Caucus Aug 2011 2
U.S. House GOP. Reuters

The House GOP leadership on Saturday said it expects to consider President Barack Obama’s request for use of military action against the Syrian government as soon as the week of Sept. 9. Congress returns to Washington, D.C., on Sept. 9.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and other GOP leaders issued a joint statement noting that under the Constitution, Congress has the responsibility to declare war.

“We are glad the president is seeking authorization for any military action in Syria in response to serious, substantive questions being raised,” the statement read. “In consultation with the president, we expect the House to consider a measure the week of September 9th. This provides the president time to make his case to Congress and the American people.”

Obama said Saturday his administration has evidence that al-Assad’s regime was responsible for the gas attack that killed more than 1,400 people.