pushing isis back, despite an assessment from a syrian human rights group that found the terror group controls more than half of syria. >> they do control some territory, less than they used to. >> but even as top republicans tear into the president's strategy -- >> the white house still insists that no new strategy is needed says the president's policies have been a success. it just isn't credible. things need to change. >> few in congress appear willing to take ownership of the war. nine months into the battle congress has yet to authorize the use of force against isis. >> when we've got all of these people overseas who are risking their lives every day, we have been silent. it's congress who is the spectators. >> as for the president's goal to degrade and destroy isis, the white house said the mission is still in the degrade phase. as for beefing up that phase with cam bat troops in iraq he