WASHINGTON — Secretary of State John F. Kerry told Congress on Tuesday that the administration will consult lawmakers about its policy toward the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria but urged them not to “bind the hands” of President Obama in unforeseen combat operations.
That raised concern among some lawmakers that the administration could escalate the war with ground troops.
“Sounds to me like you are making the case for a rather open-ended authorization,” said Senator Robert Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat and chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, who called the potential scenario for those troops “Groundhog Day in Iraq all over again.”
The committee is expected to vote on an authorization of force later this week, but it is unlikely to hit the full chamber before the lame-duck session ends. The meeting gave lawmakers a chance to begin a long-stalled debate and handed Kerry an opportunity to lay out the administration’s terms.
“The biggest challenge here is what is the appropriate level of restraint on the president of the United States as commander in chief and Congress micromanaging what the military can and can’t do in the context of this fight,” Kerry said to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which he once chaired.
The former Massachusetts senator encouraged Congress to pass a strong bipartisan authorization of force. While Obama has said he does not plan to put soldiers on the ground other than advisers, the administration wants to retain flexibility.
Menendez has drafted a proposal to ban ground troops.
Kerry emphasized the administration’s current policy does not include ground troops. “What we are really talking about protecting against is exigencies, emergencies, what may or may not arise,” he said.
Senators in both parties criticized the administration for not sending Congress a specific request for a new authorization of force. Obama, who has asked lawmakers to approve one, is working through laws passed years ago.
“This is a charade we are going through,” said Senator John McCain, an outspoken Arizona Republican and committee member. “If the president wants an authorization for the use of military force, then he should lead.”
The committee briefing also served as an opportunity for lawmakers to voice frustration at the legislative body’s monthslong silence.
“We’re at war and Congress has really not done a darn thing about it,” said Senator Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat.
Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican who has threatened to push a full-out declaration of war, gave equal blame to both branches.
“This president has been derelict,” he said. “But at the same time, there’s enough blame to go around Congress.”
Jessica Meyers can be reached at jessica.meyers@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @jessicameyers.