A Senate panel voted to give President Barack Obama a three-year authorization for the use of military force against Islamic State and affiliates, opening a debate that's unlikely to be settled until the new Congress convenes next month.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee acted along party lines, with 10 Democrats voting yes and eight Republicans voting no.
The authorization for use of military force, or AUMF, was offered by Chairman Robert Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, at the panel's final meeting before Republicans take control of the Senate in January.