Legislative Background on the Islamic State and U.S. Policy
Recent Action by Congress on Aid to the Moderate Syrian Opposition
In June 2014, the Obama Administration requested congressional approval for a $5 billion Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund to “provide the flexibility and resources required to respond to emerging needs as terrorist threats evolve.” The request included $1.5 billion for a new Syria Regional Stabilization Initiative, $500 million of which would support the training and equipping of “vetted ele- ments of the Syrian armed opposition to help defend the Syrian people, stabilize areas under opposition control, fa- cilitate the provision of essential services, counter terror- ist threats, and promote conditions for a negotiated settlement.” House and Senate Votes. On September 17, 2014,…
