Wednesday brought several developments in the United States’ fight against Islamic State terrorists. The U.S launched another round of airstrikes as the U.S House of Representatives endorsed President Barack Obama’s plan to arm and train moderate Syrian rebels. At the same time, U.S Secretary of State John Kerry made a pitch to Senators to back the growing coalition against the Islamic State.

CCTV America’s Jessica Stone reports.

The 273-156 vote crossed party lines to an unusual degree in a Congress marked by near ceaseless partisanship. Top Republican and Democratic leaders backed Obama’s plan seven weeks before midterm elections, while dozens of rank-and-file lawmakers in both parties opposed it. The provision was added to spending legislation that will ensure the federal government operates normally after the Sept 30 end of the budget year. Final approval is expected in the Senate as early as Thursday.

CCTV America’s Mike Walter was joined by Andrew Borene, Defense Council Adviser for the Truman National Security Project here in Washington, to talk about Obama administration’s plans to defeat militants from Islamic State.