President Obama praised House lawmakers Wednesday for authorizing his administration to train and equip Syrian opposition forces, calling the lower chamber’s action an “important step forward” in fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
“As we continue to take targeted military action against [Islamic State] terrorist targets, today’s vote is another step closer to having the authorization to train and equip vetted elements of the moderate Syrian opposition so they can defend themselves against, and ultimately push back on, [Islamic State] forces in Syria, while creating the conditions for the political solution necessary to solve Syria’s crisis once and for all,” Obama said.
“This training program will be conducted outside of Syria, in partnership with regional countries,” he added. “There will be no U.S. military personnel in Syria as part of this program.”
Earlier Wednesday, the House voted 273-156 to approve the administration’s plan, as the president and his surrogates secured enough support to overcome vocal opposition from an atypical coalition of Republicans and Democrats.
More than 70 Republicans voted against the legislation, as did 85 Democrats.
The bill now moves to the Senate. The president urged that chamber to pass the legislation “without delay.”
