(AP) -- The Senate's top Republican says President Barack Obama must present a strategy against the extremists who are gaining ground in Iraq and could threaten the United States.

Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says the administration must act quickly to provide the Iraqi government with assistance before, quote, "every gain made by the U.S. and allied troops is lost."

McConnell called on Obama to tell Americans how he plans to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

ISIL has conquered several cities in Syria and Iraq. The administration is sending almost 300 American forces in and around Iraq to help secure U.S. assets. Obama is considering airstrikes and other options.

McConnell offered no specifics on actions the U.S. should take or how ISIL could threaten the U.S. Republicans are sharply divided among themselves over possible military intervention.