By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON 

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to grant President Barack Obama the authority to arm and train Syrian rebels as part of the expanded strategy he announced last week to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

The 273-156 vote crossed party lines in the Republican-controlled House and was attached to a larger bill that will avoid another government shutdown by funding the government past the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30.

Obama described the vote as an “important step forward” in the fight against ISIL, and said that the U.S. can make a “decisive difference” as countries within the region and around the world prepare to confront the group.

“Today’s House vote is a step towards making that difference, and I urge the Senate to pass this bill without delay,” he said in a statement.

A vote in the Senate is expected as early as Thursday. If passed, the bill will go to the president to be signed into law.

The legislation stipulates that U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel will have to inform lawmakers 15 days before training begins, and would have to guarantee that the fighters receive appropriate vetting. The Defense Department will also have to update Congress every 90 day after the arming and training begins. 

Obama first requested the authority to arm the rebels on June 26 under a $500 million program. The Pentagon intends to train, equip and resupply more than 5,000 Syrian fighters per year at facilities in Saudi Arabia.

www.aa.com.tr/en