18 Times

In a little over 100 years or more the President of the United States has asked Congress to join him in a military action somewhere on earth 18 times and all 18 times so far the Congress has agreed. The reason for this is obvious. The credibility of the United States is at stake. I heard one  Senator today tell a story that reminded me of one in my family that happened to my Uncle in Texas likely in the early 1920s. In the story, the Senator said, "I was slapped in the face coming home from school by a bully." He went home and his mother said, "Just avoid the bully." So, the Congressman did as he mother ordered him to. The next day the Bully smashed his nose with his fist. The Congressman wasn't listening to his mother at this point because he knew his life (and his nose) and other parts of his body might be at stake. So, when the bully approached him near a construction area the Congressman picked up a piece of lumber and hit the bully with it. Just like with my uncle after doing this there were no more problems with the bully.

He was of course alluding to Assad Gassing his own people, civilians and that "Speak Softly but carry a big stick" spoken by President Teddy Roosevelt is appropriate here with Assad at present.