Syria Airstrikes Resurface Lawmakers' Questions Over Presidential Authority

Some Democratic lawmakers on Friday sought justification from the Biden administration for Thursday's airstrikes in Syria, marking the first significant test of President Biden's military approach.

"The American people deserve to hear the Administration's rationale for these strikes and its legal justification for acting without coming to Congress," Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine said in a statement. "Offensive military action without congressional approval is not constitutional absent extraordinary circumstances. Congress must be fully briefed on this matter expeditiously."

The airstrikes, which targeted Iranian-backed militia groups in Eastern Syria, came in response to recent attacks and threats against Americans and coalition personnel in Iraq, the Department of Defense said.