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Nelson Preps Legislation to Authorize Airstrikes Against ISIS

Florida's Senate race between Republican Governor Rick Scott and Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson was neck-and-neck all evening. Photo: Amy Green
Florida's Senate race between Republican Governor Rick Scott and Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson was neck-and-neck all evening. Photo: Amy Green

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson says he plans to introduce legislation to authorize airstrikes against Islamic extremists in Syria.

The Florida Democrat made the announcement Tuesday night,  just ahead of White House confirmation that members of the so-called Islamic State executed former University of Central Florida student Steven Sotloff.

The legislation authorizes President Obama to order the airstrikes against ISIS. The bill answers the question of legal authority between Congress and the White House.

Nelson is a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He says he’ll file the legislation when Congress returns to session next week.

Republican Florida U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has said he support airstrikes as well. In a statement Tuesday, he reiterated his desire to see a response to extremists in Iraq and Syria.