Biden tells Congress Syria strikes are consistent with U.S. right to self-defense - CNBC

"The United States took this action pursuant to the United States' inherent right of self-defense as reflected in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter," Biden wrote in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President pro tempore of the Senate Patrick Leahy.

"I directed this military action to protect and defend our personnel and our partners against these attacks and future such attacks," Biden wrote in his letter Saturday.

The letter comes as some Senate Democrats have pushed back against Biden over the strikes, calling on him to provide a briefing why military action was taken without congressional approval.

"I directed this military action consistent with my responsibility to protect United States citizens both at home and abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests, pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct United States foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive," Biden wrote.