US Cong may soon vote to arm, train Syria rebels
13 Sept 2014 4:48 AM IST
US lawmakers could vote within days to authorize the military to arm and train moderate Syrian rebels, with Democrats drafting the legislation Wednesday in an effort to reverse advances by the Islamic State (IS).
The possible move follows a last-minute request by President Barack Obama, who was scheduled to address the nation later on Wednesday and lay out his plan to defeat the jihadist group that has rampaged across parts of Syria and Iraq.
With the White House pushing Congress to include the rebel-training authority in a temporary government spending bill, the Republican-led House abruptly suspended that measure, a so-called continuing resolution (CR) which had been unveiled the previous night and was set for a Thursday vote.
‘Given the severity of the situation and the need for all members to properly evaluate the president’s request, the House will postponse consideration of the continuing resolution,’ House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced.
The possible move follows a last-minute request by President Barack Obama, who was scheduled to address the nation later on Wednesday and lay out his plan to defeat the jihadist group that has rampaged across parts of Syria and Iraq.
With the White House pushing Congress to include the rebel-training authority in a temporary government spending bill, the Republican-led House abruptly suspended that measure, a so-called continuing resolution (CR) which had been unveiled the previous night and was set for a Thursday vote.
‘Given the severity of the situation and the need for all members to properly evaluate the president’s request, the House will postponse consideration of the continuing resolution,’ House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced.
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