Congress is about to vote to authorize President Barack Obama’s plan to arm the Syrian rebels, but a top Democrat says a broader vote to greenlight the military fight against ISIS is coming after the November elections. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois told reporters Thursday that the Senate plans to craft, debate and vote on a new authorization to use military force (AUMF) when Congress returns from its recess. “I think it’s long overdue,” he said.
Later Thursday, the Senate is expected to approve the administration’s plan to arm and train Syrian rebels, a measure the House passed with bipartisan support on Wednesday. But leaders of both parties have emphasized that the authorization currently being considered is a narrow one that only applies to the issue of the rebels, not to the broader fight against the Islamic terror organization.
IN-DEPTH
- House Approves Obama Plan to Arm Syrian Rebels Against ISIS
- Right or Wrong, Obama Owns ISIS Strategy
- Kerry Seeks to Win Over Senators Skeptical of ISIS Strategy
