U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin has canceled a Tuesday luncheon appearance before Chicago's business and political elite to head to Washington and begin preparing for congressional debate on possible action in Syria.
The No. 2 Senate Democrat was among the 15 members of Congress briefed last week in a call on the situation.
President Barack Obama says he'll seek congressional approval for military strikes against the Assad regime. He's trying to rally support among Americans and congressmen.
Durbin's spokeswoman didn't immediately return a Monday message seeking comment.
Durbin was to speak about sentencing for non-violent drug offenders Tuesday before the City Club of Chicago. His office issued a notice Monday that as a member of Senate leadership and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he'll be in Washington preparing for debate instead.
