WASHINGTON — A Senate committee voted on Wednesday to give President Obama the authority to use military force in Syria, providing momentum to the White House plan to punish President Bashir Assad for allegedly using chemical weapons.
But in twist that signaled the issue still faces an uncertain outcome, Senator Edward J. Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, voted “present,” choosing not to register his position on the highest-profile issue to come before him since he was sworn in nearly two months ago. He was the only senator to cast a noncommital vote.
The measure in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed by a 10-to-7 vote — with seven Democrats and three Republicans in favor, and two Democrats and five Republicans opposed — and heads to the full Senate next week.
It would authorize a limited military strike against Syria that could not exceed 90 days and prohibit US ground troops from being sent into combat. The House is considering a similar resolution.
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