Obama aides to brief all Senators as Syria strike looms

President Barack Obama's top national security aides will brief Senate Republicans and Democrats  separately Saturday on the prospect of military strikes against Syria, congressional and administration officials said.

National Security Adviser Susan Rice, Secretary of State John Kerry, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, and the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral James Winnefeld, will update lawmakers via conference call "this afternoon," a senior administration official said.

The calls aim "to continue the Administration's consultations regarding the Assad regime's use of chemical weapons in Syria on August 21," the official told reporters by email.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's office announced the briefing late Friday, saying it was being held at his request.

"Sen. McConnell believes it's important for the whole Conference to have the opportunity to communicate directly with the administration on this important issue," spokesman Don Stewart said in a statement.

The briefings come at a time when a growing chorus of lawmakers is insisting that Obama secure explicit congressional authorization for any military action against Bashar Assad's regime in Damascus.

The White House repeatedly has said it will "consult" with Congress, but has made it clear Obama does not think he needs the green light from lawmakers.

The Republican briefing was to occur at 1 p.m. Washington time. It was not immediately clear at what time Democrats were to get their briefing.

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