House had already left town as airstrikes started in Obama . Most statements of support came from congressional Republicans . Obama notified House speaker and Congress minority leader . Before Congress left , both chambers voted on a narrow measure that gave Obama the authority to train and arm Syrian rebel groups . The vice president notified Sen. Bush , one of Obama 's fiercest critics .
House had already left town as airstrikes started in Obama . Most statements of support came from congressional Republicans . Obama notified House speaker and Congress minority leader . The vice president notified Sen. Bush , one of Obama 's fiercest critics .