U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz of Hawaii, both Democrats, were in the majority today of a 73-22 vote that keeps the U.S. government funded and provides authority for arming and training Syrian rebels fighting ISIS.

As Roll Call reports, the vote came after “some last-minute drama on immigration” and marks Congress’ “last must-pass piece of business before the November elections.”

Hirono is not up for re-election while Schatz is favored to defeat Republican Cam Cavasso on Nov. 4.

The U.S. Capitol, October 2013.

Chad Blair/Civil Beat

The House of Representatives approved the same measures yesterday. Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard voted against both.

The legislation now heads to President Barack Obama for his expected signature.

In a statement from her office, Hirono said:

“The President, Secretary Hagel, and Chairman Dempsey have made a strong case regarding the threat ISIL presents to the Middle East, Europe, and our nation. I share many Americans’ concerns about ISIL’s growing strength. This is a ruthless, well-funded, and organized group that is attracting recruits from all corners of the world, including the United States. …

“Currently, the President is relying on existing authorities to strike ISIL but a prolonged military campaign will require specific congressional authority. The President has assured us that U.S. forces will not have a combat mission and I will hold him to that assurance.

 “While I will support the authorization to train and equip moderate Syrians to fight ISIL, it must be done with adequate safeguards to ensure that we do not create a scenario where this training and equipment are turned against us or our allies in the future. …”

ISIL is another acronym for ISIS and for the Islamic State. In a statement from his office, Schatz said:

“I strongly oppose putting U.S. combat troops on the ground to destroy ISIL. The United States must cooperate with local partners to accomplish this objective.

“In Iraq, there is a possibility of defeating ISIL by strengthening the Iraqi army and promoting political reconciliation between the Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish populations that will help mend the deep-seated sectarian divisions that have emboldened ISIL. The Iraqis have made progress in recent weeks by appointing a new, more inclusive prime minister — Haider al-Abadi — and by approving a unity government.

“In contrast, the Syria strategy has not been well-articulated. It is not clear what options there are to partner with local forces, and I have serious reservations about arming the Syrian opposition to defeat ISIL in the areas it controls. … I worry that training and equipping moderate rebels will only stoke Syria’s civil war and do little to destroy ISIL.

“However, because this limited authorization will expire on December 11, it will allow the Administration to begin making preparations to strengthen Syrian opposition against ISIL while giving Congress more time to debate whether this is the right course of action. …”