War On ISIS: House Vote Keeps US Troops In Iraq And Syria Fighting Islamic State

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday against initiating a rapid withdrawal of military troops stationed in foreign lands to fight the Islamic State militant group in Iraq and Syria. The lack of a formal authorization by Congress to take military action against the militants, also known as ISIS, was apparently not a deterrent in the voting. The resolution, which was defeated 288-139, would have begun the withdrawal within six months.

“Either Congress needs to live up to its responsibilities and authorize this war, or by its continuing neglect and indifference our troops should be withdrawn and allowed to come home,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., according to the Hill. McGovern, along with Reps. Walter Jones, R-N.C., and Barbara Lee, D-Calif., authored the proposal.

U.S. President Barack Obama in February asked Congress to authorize the use of military force against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, after which he admitted, "Now, make no mistake, this is a difficult mission and it will remain difficult for some time," according to CNN.