Senate Republican leader: Obama asked him for support on Syria

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, (R-KY) arrives to speak with reporters, July 16, 2013. REUTERS/Jose Luis Magana

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on Saturday said President Barack Obama had advised him that he would seek authorization for the use of force from Congress before any combat actions against Syria. "The President's role as commander-in-chief is always strengthened when he enjoys the expressed support of the Congress," he said in a statement. (Reporting by Tabassum Zakaria; editing by Jackie Frank)