WASHINGTON (AP)/WMOT — Tennessee’s congressional delegation usually votes along strict party lines, but Wednesday’s vote to give President Barack Obama the authority to arm moderate Syrian rebels was an exception.
The Republican-controlled House voted to arm and train the rebels by a vote of 273-156.
Tennessee Democratic Rep. Cooper, and Republican Reps. Duncan, and Fincher voted against the resolution. Democratic Rep. Cohen and Republicans Reps. Black, Blackburn, Fleishmann, and Roe voted to arm the rebels. Rep. DesJarlais did not vote.
The vote came as Obama sought to reassure lawmakers and Americans who fear the United States will be drawn into another ground war. Obama reiterated yesterday that American forces will not have a combat mission.
The Senate is expected to back the program as early as today.