DERRY, N.H. — Hillary Rodham Clinton said Tuesday she does not currently support seeking a declaration of war against the Islamic State, citing the diffuse nature of the threat.
Clinton said in response to a question at a town hall meeting with veterans that the U.S. needs to have a better understanding of the threat posed by radical Islamic groups. She said the U.S. also needs to understand the potential costs, saying, “if you have a declaration of war you better have a budget that backs it up.”
“I’m not sure that makes sense in fighting a threat that is as diffuse and networked as this threat is,” Clinton said.
The Democratic presidential candidate spoke as some members of Congress have pushed for a vote on a new authorization for the use of military force as the U.S. military intervention in Iraq and Syria have crept forward.