Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a possible presidential candidate in 2016, says an "overwhelming" majority in Congress -- including him -- would authorize military intervention against militants in northern Iraq and Syria if President Barack Obama seeks approval when he addresses the nation tonight.
Speaking to The Associated Press before a visit to New Hampshire, Paul's comments mark his continued evolution on foreign policy as he tries to shed an "isolationist" label.
Paul says he'd vote to intervene against the militants, who took responsibility for beheading two American journalists.
He says getting Congressional authorization makes the effort more bipartisan.
Paul has been criticized for positions that have branded him an anti-interventionist. His comment that foreign aid be reduced, including to longtime ally Israel, led some to call him an isolationist.
