WASHINGTON (AP) — In the run-up to a presidential address, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called on Wednesday for a quick pre-election vote to approve the administration’s request to train and equip Syrian rebels fighting terrorists seeking an Islamic state in the Middle East.

House Republicans offered no commitment, although Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said at midafternoon, “We stand ready to listen and work with the president to confront this growing threat.” His remark came after GOP leaders spurned a personal plea from President Barack Obama and left the issue out of a must-pass spending bill due for the vote in the next few days.