A US Senate panel has approved the use of military force in Syria, in response to an alleged chemical weapons attack.
By 10-7, the Committee on Foreign Relations moved the measure to a full Senate vote, expected next week.The proposal allows the use of force in Syria for 60 days with the possibility to extend it for 30 days. It prevents the use of US troops on the ground.
President Barack Obama is battling to build support at home and abroad for military action.
Despite Wednesday's vote, the bill's ultimate fate in the wider Senate is unclear. And the US House of Representatives must also approve the measure.
Credibility on the line'
So far, only 23 senators have said they support or are likely to back the resolution, according to a tally by ABC/BBC News.
Sixteen have said they oppose or are likely to oppose the resolution, while 61 votes are undecided or unknown.
However, those numbers are expected to shift as the language in the resolution changes, the White House and its congressional allies apply pressure, and lawmakers hear from their constituents.
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