Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt an amendment to H J Res 124 that authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide aid to the Syrian opposition.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide training, equipment, supplies, and other assistance to “appropriately vetted” Syrian opposition groups and individuals for the following purposes:
• To defend the Syrian people from attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL);
• To protect the United States, its allies, and the Syrian people from terrorist threats in Syria; and
• To promote the conditions for a negotiated settlement to end the conflict in Syria.

• Defines “appropriately vetted” as assessments of Syrian opposition groups and individuals for associations with certain groups including, but not limited to, the following groups:
• Terrorist groups;
• Shia militias aligned with or supporting the Government of Syria;
• Groups associated with the Government of Iran;
• The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL); and
• Al-Qaeda related groups.

• Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to accept and retain contributions, including “in-kind” assistance, from a foreign government for the purpose of carrying out the activities authorized by the provisions of this bill.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill do not contain an authorization for the introduction of United States Armed Forces into “hostile situations”. 

• Requires the President to submit a report to certain congressional committees and House and Senate leadership, at least 15 days prior to providing assistance to appropriately vetted elements, containing a description of how such assistance fits into a “larger regional strategy.”

• Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to certain congressional committees and House and Senate leadership, at least 15 days prior to providing assistance to appropriately vetted elements, containing certain information, but not limited to, the following information: 
• The plan for providing such assistance; 
• The requirements and process used to determine appropriately vetted recipients; and
• The mechanisms used to monitor and report on the unauthorized end-use of provided training and equipment, and other violations by aid recipients. 

• Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a report to certain congressional committees and House and Senate leadership every 90 days, containing certain information, including, but not limited to, the following information:
• Any updates in the plan, strategy, or vetting requirements provided by the provisions of this bill;
• Any misuse or loss of training and equipment provided by the provisions of this bill; and
• An assessment of the assistance provided by the provisions of this bill.

• Specifies that the authority provided in the provisions of this bill will continue until December 11, 2014. 

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text