Washington, November 9 (RHC)-- A group of bipartisan lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives are calling for Congress to vote on the escalating U.S. wars in Iraq and Syria.

More than a year after the United States launched airstrikes against the self-proclaimed Islamic State, Congress has yet to vote on authorizing force. The Obama administration has controversially claimed their actions are covered by the 2001 congressional vote authorizing force against al-Qaeda.

The open letter calling for a vote was signed by members of both parties, including Democratic Congress-members Barbara Lee, Jim McGovern and John Lewis, and members of the right-wing Freedom Caucus. The lawmakers said they "do not share the same policy prescriptions" but do share the belief it’s "past time" for a vote on the wars.