Delegation split on plan to arm Syrian rebels

Members of the Kansas congressional delegation were divided on whether the United States should train and arm Syrian rebels for a war against Islamic State militants. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Fowler, was the only House member from Kansas to vote against the measure, which cleared both chambers last week with large bipartisan majorities. “I am not willing to risk our brave men and women at Fort Riley without knowing how President Obama even defines success, much less how he would achieve it,” Huelskamp said in a statement. Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Wichita, said he supported the measure because “we have an obligation to meet that threat by taking steps that will keep America safe.” Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran were among only 12 GOP senators to vote against the measure. – Phillip Brownlee

This story was originally published September 19, 2014 at 12:45 PM with the headline "Delegation split on plan to arm Syrian rebels."