John Kerry Calls for US War Powers to Strike Islamic State

Secretary of State John Kerry urged lawmakers today to give President Barack Obama updated war powers to go after Islamic jihadists at "a pivotal hour" in the battle against the militants.

"Our nation is strongest when we act together - and we simply cannot allow this collection of murderers and thugs to achieve its ambitions - which include the death or submission of all who oppose it, the seizure of land, the theft of resources, and the incitement of terrorist acts across the globe," Kerry told Congress, urging the divided body to come together and "speak with a single powerful voice."