10-7: Senate Panel OKs Force in Syria

A Senate panel has voted to give President Obama the authority to use military force against Syria in response to a deadly chemical weapons attack. The tally in the Foreign Relations Committee was 10-7, setting up a vote in the full Senate next week. The resolution would permit Obama to order a limited military mission against Syria, as long as it doesn't exceed 90 days and involves no American troops on the ground for combat operations.

The voting breakdown suggests the White House has some work to do before next week's vote. Obama won the support of three Republicans—John McCain, Jeff Flake, and Bob Corker—but he lost the support of two Democrats—Tom Udall and Chris Murphy. Democrat Ed Markey voted present. In all, five Republicans, including Rand Paul and Marco Rubio, voted against the measure, reports Politico. (More Syria stories.)