U.S. Senate confirms vote to arm, train Syrian rebels

(Vatican Radio/agencies) The U.S. Senate late Thursday approved President Barack Obama’s plan to equip Syrian rebels to combat Islamic State militants.  The legislation, approved by Congress on Wednesday, also provides for training of rebels by U.S. military.

The new law also makes available funds for the government after the end of the budget year on Sept. 30, eliminating any threat of a shutdown.

Speaking at the White House after the vote, Obama said he was pleased that a majority of both Republicans and Democrats had supported the legislation.

``I believe we're strongest as a nation when the president and Congress work together,'' he said. Noting the killing of two Americans by the Islamic State group, he said that ``as Americans we do not give in to fear'' and would not be put off by such brutal tactics.

Obama added that more than 40 countries, including Arab nations, have offered assistance as part of the coalition against Islamic State. He noted that France would join in airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq and reiterated that the U.S. would not be putting U.S. troops on the ground for combat.