Tom Rooney Seeks to Block Funds for Arming Syrian Rebels

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla., submitted an amendment Friday to the Defense Appropriations bill that would prohibit providing funding, arms or any support to any group involved in military action in Syria. Last month, Rooney introduced the "Congressional Accountability and Oversight in Syria Act." which would essentially prohibit the Obama administration from providing weapons or support to any faction in Syria without first receiving authorization from Congress. It would also prohibit the American military from exercising military force in Syria.

With the knowledge that the Syrian rebels have been infiltrated by al-Qaida, we simply cannot in good conscience provide weapons to these groups, Rooney said. We cannot spend American dollars to arm the enemy that attacked us on 9/11, whom weve fought for more than a decade, and whom our troops risk their lives fighting to this day. Arming the al-Qaida-backed rebels directly conflicts with our national security interests.

The House will consider the Defense Appropriations bill next week.