House Passes $585B Defense Bill to Expand Campaign Against IS

Quote:

WASHINGTON—The Republican-controlled House approved a $585 billion defense policy bill that grants President Barack Obama the authority to expand the U.S. military campaign against Islamic militants in Iraq and Syria despite misgivings about a new American combat role after more than a decade of war. The vote on Thursday was 300-119, a reflection of the popularity of the sweeping, bipartisan measure that authorizes funds for American troops as well as ships, planes and other war-fighting equipment built in congressional districts nationwide. The measure heads to the Senate where passage is expected next week, although some GOP senators are angry over the bill’s unrelated provisions to expand wilderness areas. The legislation endorses Obama’s latest request to Congress in the 4-month-old war against extremists who brutally rule large sections of Iraq and Syria. The bill provides $5 billion for the stepped-up operation of air strikes and the dispatch of up to 1,500 more American troops. It also reauthorizes the Pentagon plan to train and equip moderate Syrian rebels battling the forces of President Bashar Assad, with that mandate expiring Dec. 11. The legislation would extend that authority for two years.

http://ift.tt/131CoRD



:usa:



Lots of really good stuff in there.



I guess we are at war with Syria now? Because they did what to us again?



And let me see if I got this straight. I know it's been explained before, but I just need a reminder...

In Syria, there are 3 groups fighting:

A = Assad's troops

B = ISIS (Very extreme Syrian rebels)

C = Moderate Syrian rebels



They are all fighting against each other:

A is fighting against B and C

B is fighting against A and C

C is fighting A and B



Now the USA has joined into the fight:

D = USA



D is not directly fighting A

D is bombing B

D is equipping, funding, and training C to fight A



Is that the plan that was just overwhelmingly approved with bipartisan support?



:usa:

House Passes $585B Defense Bill to Expand Campaign Against IS