The House will use a government spending bill as the vehicle to pass a resolution authorizing a U.S. mission to arm and train Syrian rebels against Islamic terrorists.
Debate is expected to begin as soon as Tuesday with a vote as early as Wednesday on a measure to fund the government through Dec. 11 at the current annual level of $1.012 trillion. The measure also includes a provision to extend the Export-Import Bank until June 30, 2015.
The bill, aimed at stopping a government shutdown after the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, will also include a separate amendment on Syria. Specifically, the provision would authorize the Obama administration to train and equip Syrian rebels against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a terrorist organization that is destabilizing the Middle East.
The measure does appropriate or authorize funds for the mission, which will be paid for with contributions from foreign governments.
Both the government funding bill and the authorization amendment are expected to pass, thanks to the backing of the leaders of both parties. While some Democrats and Republicans may oppose it, the bipartisan cooperation will make it easier to come up with the 218 votes needed for House passage.
Some lawmakers had insisted on a separate vote for the Syria resolution, rather than including the language in the funding bill. Those lawmakers did not want to be forced to vote against funding the government because of their objection to the Syria resolution.
Lawmakers are eager to be done with House business so they can return home to campaign ahead of the November election, which is less than two months away.
