US Rep. O’Rourke votes no to funding Syrian rebels

Congressman Beto O’Rourke urged his fellow House members to vote against the amendment to fund Syrian rebels in their fight against ISIS.

O’Rourke, a Democrat, voted no on the measure.

O’Rourke’s opponents for the congressional seat he holds tell ABC-7 they would’ve voted no, too.

Jaime O. Perez – Libertarian: “(I’m) absolutely opposed to any training in Syria. (The vote) would be a declaration of war. No war. Period.”

Corey Roen – Republican: “I would’ve voted No. We need a more comprehensive plan rather than throwing money at (the problem).”

O’rourke, in a speech on the House floor Wednesday, said they’re basically declaring war through an amendment resolution instead of having a full discussion and direct vote.

O’Rourke said Saudi Arabia is the biggest exporter of extremists and said Muslim countries are not contributing ground troops to the fight against ISIS.

He added that Iraq and Afghanistan wars were not successful.

Watch his speech at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIw7sSrDASE&feature=youtu.be