WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today voted in support of H.J.Res 124, the continuing resolution to fund the federal government through Dec. 11, 2014.

“At a time when our nation is facing war, it is important that Congress came together this week to keep the federal government open,” said Inhofe. “My greatest disappointment is that Congress had an opportunity to show its support for our military by reversing the current spending caps for our national security. Our military has been asked to fight ISIL, support European partners against Russia aggression, support the Ebola response in Africa, successfully transition our mission in Afghanistan, and more. As Ranking Member, I am committed to reversing President Obama’s legacy of asking our all-volunteer force to do more with less.”

The continuing resolution included a provision adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives that authorizes the President’s request to train and equip Syrian opposition forces.

“Today Congress gave its bipartisan support to the President’s request to train and equip vetted Syrian opposition groups and individuals,” said Inhofe. “The situation in Syria is complex, and it is essential our nation listens to the advice of our military leaders in how we proceed in this war against ISIL. This authorization will strengthen roughly 5,000 Syrian opposition forces to fight ISIL terrorists. Any airstrikes targeting ISIL in Syria will not be successful without ground forces to assist. While this alone will not be what defeats the extremist army, it is a start in building confidence in the moderate opposition as well as our allies and partners of U.S. resolve to take on the threat of ISIL. I applaud Chairman Buck McKeon who included robust oversight language in the authorization that will help to prevent aiding terrorist organizations as well as require regular detailed reporting to Congress on the program.”

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