Congress' top Republicans praise Obama on Syria
WASHINGTON (AP) Leading congressional Republicans praised President Barack Obama's decision to seek lawmakers' approval before punishing Syria for a chemical attack. But it was far from clear whether they would support such a strike in a region rife with warfare and the specter of retaliation. "I do believe (Syria) should not have impunity," for the Aug. 21 attack near Damascus, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said by telephone. "But we need to understand what the whole scope of consequences is. What the president may perceive as limited...won't stop there." The White House was expected to brief members of Congress throughout the weekend, part of what's certain to be a full-court press to persuade lawmakers to sign off on what Obama described as a narrowly-focused operation that could be carried out anytime over the next few weeks. Obama's decision to consult Congress came after lawmakers widely demanded he seek authorization under the War Powers Ac...