US lawmakers against Obama ISIL plan

Some US lawmakers have questioned President Barack Obama’s plan to arm and train foreign-backed militants in Syria in order to help them fight against ISIL Takfiri group.

The Obama administration is seeking the congressional approval for $500 million to train and arm the militants that are fighting against the Syrian government forces.

A number of representatives say they have reservations that the approval could be considered as a vote which legitimizes a war.

“This could be taken by some as a war vote,” said Kentucky Republican Hal Rogers who chairs the House Appropriations Committee.

The lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties also say they fear the weapons could fall into the hands of US enemies.

“There are so many unknowns that we are dealing with here, it’s too early to make any decisions,” Rogers added.

Mark Begich, a Democrat from Alaska, has expressed concern that American weapons sent to militants would end up in the wrong hands.

I am “gravely concerned by reports of ISIS seizing and utilizing US weapons intended for those fighting against” Syrian government forces, he said in a statement after Obama outlined his plan for fighting ISIL insurgents.

Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican who is a vocal critic of US military involvement across the globe, said the US president should “follow” country’s constitution” and seek congressional authorization for his campaign.

Paul’s senior aide, Doug Stafford said the GOP Senator is opposed to arming and training opposition militants in Syria.

“Senator Paul believes arming the same side as ISIS was and is a strategic error and would oppose such action,” Stafford, told The Huffington Post.

The US and its allies in the region have been financially and militarily helping the militant groups fighting against Syrian government forces in past years. ISIL which first grew in number and power in Syria has expanded its terror attacks into Iraq and is now wreaking havoc in both countries.