On Wednesday, a sharply divided Senate panel approved President Obama's resolution to launch a limited military strike against Syria. Moving forward, the president must now convince Congress to support his military attack, which comes in response to allegations that the Syrian Regime used chemical weapons to kill over 1,400 of its civilians in August.
Obama's resolution would launch limited strikes against Syrian forces in a period of 60 days, with the possibility of 30 more days after consultation with Congress. It would also block the use of American ground troops.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 10 to 7 on U.S. military intervention in Syria. Two liberal Democrats voted against the resolution, one voted present and three Republicans voted for it, reports the New York Times.
The Senate panel passed the measure after a day of fierce debate in both houses of Congress, indicating deep divisions over how much latitude the president should have in taking action against in Syria.
In response to the vote, the White House said, "America is stronger when the president and Congress work together." However, administration officials previously expected the full Senate to vote next week, after Congress returns from recess. They did not think the House would act until the week after and were expecting a prolonged debate.
The three Democrats who did not support the resolution served as a warning to White House aides still seeking support in the House.
On Thursday, two Republican senators, Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana and Mike Lee of Utah, members of the Armed Services Committee, announced that they would vote against any military action, reports CBS News.
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