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Obama thanks Congress for approving resolution to arm, train Syrian rebels

President Barack Obama praises both houses of Congress for passing a resolution to arm and train Syrian rebels in the fight against the Islamic State.

By Heather Records

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- On Thursday, President Barack Obama was quick to praise both houses of Congress for passing a bi-partisan resolution to arm and train 5,000 Syrian rebels against the Islamic State.

"The strong bipartisan support in Congress for this new training effort shows the world that Americans are united in confronting the threat from ISIL, which has slaughtered so many innocent civilians."

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The Senate passed the bill -- with both sides of the aisle voting for it -- Thursday afternoon 78 to 22. Twelve Democrats and 10 Republicans voted against it.

The House of Representatives passed the same resolution Wednesday. That bill also passed with bipartisan support.

The measure is key to President Obama's strategy for defeating the Islamic State, known alternately as IS, ISIS and ISIL.

President Obama said on Thursday that 40 countries have joined in the fight against IS.

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