(CNN) - As a Russian proposal to strip Syria of its chemical weapons began to take shape, the White House eased off the gas on Tuesday in its drive for congressional approval to strike the Middle Eastern country.
President Barack Obama asked Senate Democrats to delay voting on authorizing military action in Syria while the diplomatic process works itself out, according to senators in a meeting with Obama.
A White House official told CNN that during his meeting on the hill, the president said that his administration would spend the days ahead pursuing this diplomatic option with the Russians and U.S. allies at the United Nations.
The president "asked for some time to work things out - a matter of days into next week," Sen. Dick Durbin said.
In the meantime, Obama will work with members of Congress on authorizing language for a military strike because doing so will further strengthen our diplomatic efforts, the White House official said.
