Many members of Congress have been calling on Obama to make his case directly to the American public–in addition to Congress–as he seeks congressional authorization to launch limited strikes in the war-torn country.

Kerry’s answer Wednesday came in response to a question by Rep. Luke Messer, R-Indiana, who said he would support the mission.

“I think we’ve got a lot of work to do to help the American people understand why the risks of action are less than the risks of inaction,” Messer said. “What more can be done to further communicate with the American people? For example, will the president make a speech from the Oval Office to the American people in one of the coming evenings?”

“I have no doubt the president will,” Kerry replied.