WASHINGTON — US lawmakers want to find enough common ground on several contentious issues to formally authorize the Islamic State fight. But, as White House submittal of a draft measure nears, senior members worry a familiar force could sink the legislation: Politics.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and panel member Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said Tuesday they expect the White House to submit a new measure this week, possibly by Wednesday. Both have been deeply involved in talks about a new authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) for months

The Obama administration's measure, which will serve as the starting point for congressional hearings and versions that could eventually hit the House and Senate floors, reportedly contains limitations on the kinds of operations US forces could do in Iraq and Syria, where US operations could be conducted, and for how long.

Senators who discussed the coming AUMF debate with CongressWatch on Tuesday said it's crucial they reach accord on those issues and pass legislation this year.

Athletes compete in the shooting events at the 2015 Warrior Games aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., on Friday, June 26, 2015. (Mike Morones/Military Times)

"It's the most important vote a senator makes," Corker said in a brief interview. "I know there's really strong feelings about this issue. But it's an important issue, and my sense is the Senate will rise to the occasion."

But several of the Senate's old guard aren't so sure. They worry the partisan politics and maneuvering of the Obama era could kill a new AUMF in its infancy.

"I do worry about that," Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., told CongressWatch. "I worry about that a lot."

Sen. Orin Hatch, R-Utah, the chamber's president pro tempore and a senior Judiciary Committee member, said, "I am worried about it. " Hatch said. "I think there ought to be a broad enough AUMF to give the president the authority to do whatever he has to. And, also, it ought to cover any other terrorists and wherever they are."

McCain signaled the best way to prevent political death for a new war-authorization measure is to simply move the legislation through the Senate's typical process.

"Have hearings, and they'll be primarily in the Foreign Relations Committee," McCain said. "Then we'll see what happens."

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Those hearings are coming, with Corker wielding the gavel. And any language on ground forces will be a major sticking point.

Many Democrats and a much smaller number of Republican members are expected to push hard for language similar to the reported White House language limiting what US ground troops could do against the violent Sunni group.

McCain told reporters he would view that kind of language as "unconstitutional," saying the Constitution gives the president the power to run the country's armed conflicts. His Democratic colleagues will push back.

Because Senate rules are crafted to protect the minority party — and because the GOP would need a sizable number of Democrats to override a veto — Republicans don't have significant leverage on the contentious issues.

Athletes compete in the shooting events at the 2015 Warrior Games aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., on Friday, June 26, 2015. (Mike Morones/Military Times)

Kaine, in an interview, acknowledged that "there will be some differences of opinion."

But he noted: that "There were votes there in September in both parties to grant this authority."

"And, in talking with my colleagues even in the last few days, I still think that's the case," Kaine said. "At the end of the day, I think Congress still supports a military mission against [Islamic State.] But I don't think it'll be overly politicized."

Email: jbennett@defensenews.com

Twitter: BennettJohnT

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