Top Lawmakers Confident Bill To Train and Equip Syrian Rebels Will Pass

Top congressional leaders indicated Tuesday that the short-term spending bill to keep the government open, combat the West African Ebola virus and train and equip Syrian fighters opposed to Islamist militants in Syria and Iraq will pass this week.

“When that bill passes [the House] and comes over here, I’m confident that it will pass on a bipartisan vote,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in a press conference Tuesday. “I’m glad that we’ll fund the government and give the President the tools he needs to combat ISIS,” he added, referring to the Islamic State in Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS). Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that he would support the bill, which is expected to pass with the support of Democratic and Republican House leaders Wednesday.

The mood for U.S. intervention in Syria has changed significantly from a year ago, when President Barack Obama first sought congressional approval for airstrikes against the Bashar Assad regime, and even three months ago, when he sought $500 million to aid the Syrian opposition. Many congressmen now feel compelled to act after ISIS has gained control of more territory in Iraq and Syria and broadcast the beheadings of two Western journalists and an aid worker over the past several weeks.

“I think most members agree that what’s happened with the beheadings of now these three innocent citizens . . . and the narrative and threats associated with that, is a direct attack on the United States of America and our interests and our citizens here and abroad,” said Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.). “I think there is a strong sense in the Congress to respond to that and to respond strongly . . . And that’s what’s different than the vote we were about to have on Syria last time, which was in response to horrific, immoral acts, but drawing the connection between it being a direct threat on U.S. citizens was harder for the Congress to draw. I don’t think that connection is hard here.”

Despite their leaders’ position, some Tea Party Republicans and dovish Democrats have expressed opposition to the bill over concerns that Syrian rebel groups have not been properly vetted.

“I have concerns on every level on this thing, not the least of which is who this army is and how do you sort them out,” said Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), who has not yet decided on how he will vote on the amendment to train and equip the rebels. “When you have some experience in this part of the world, you get very wary about what you really know.”