Intel Committee Approved Arms for Syrian Rebels

The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence last week approved a White House plan to use the CIA to funnel weapons, including light arms and missiles, to vetted Syrian opposition groups.

In a statement made on Monday, Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Mich., said his members had “strong concerns about the strength of the administration’s plans in Syria,” but decided to allow it to proceed.

“After much discussion and review, we got a consensus that we could move forward with what the administration's plans and intentions are in Syria consistent with committee reservations,” Rogers said.

Officials told the Washington Post that panels in the House and Senate voted on the plan last week.

Administration officials, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey, have been hesitant on ramping up aid to the opposition on fears that weapons could fall into the hands of extremist groups, among other concerns.