Leading senators advocated in favor of immediate airstrikes and drone strokes in Iraq following the seizure of major cities by an extremist Muslim terror group, the Hill reports.
Sens. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) and John McCain (R., Ariz.) backed airstrikes after attending a closed-door briefing with Defense Department officials on the escalating violence in Iraq, according to the Hill.
Democrats also called for U.S. military intervention:
Sen. Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.) said an air attack "might be the only way" to change battle. […]
Sen. Bill Nelson (D., Fla.) said the U.S. should consider the use of drones with hellfire missiles if "Iraq nears collapse." […]
Senators leaving the briefing described the situation in Iraq as "grave," with McCain calling it the greatest challenge to the U.S. since the Cold War.