U.S. Marince Corps/Staff Sgt. Joseph DiGirolamo

The president will send an additional 1,500 troops to Iraq. Though they will reportedly serve as advisers, some will head to areas of heavy fighting.

The White House will ask Congress for $1.6 billion to fund the deployment and other costs.

Obama has the authority to send up to 3,100 troops, and this deployment takes him close to that limit.

Rep. Buck McKeon, R-Calif., was quoted by Reuters as saying, “I would urge the President to reconsider his strategy and clearly explain how this additional funding supports a new direction. Such clarity is more likely to find swift Congressional approval.”

— Posted by Peter Z. Scheer

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