House Passes Resolution Condemning Withdrawal From Syria

On Wednesday, the House approved a resolution that condemns the Trump administration's withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria. 

The vote was 354-60, with four members voting "present." The measure is nonbinding, but had support from both sides. Lawmakers have overwhelmingly criticized the decision to pull troops from northern Syria. Republicans have called it "disastrous."

Critics say the withdrawal gave Turkey the "green light" to attack Kurdish forces in that area. The Kurds, a U.S. ally, have helped in the fight against ISIS. But on Wednesday, President Donald Trump defended his decision.

"Our soldiers are not in harm's way, as they shouldn't be, as two countries fight over land that has nothing to do with us," President Trump said. "And the Kurds are much safer right now. But the Kurds know how to fight. And as I said, they're not angels. They're not angels."

Things got tense after the House vote. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic leaders left a meeting on Syria early after they said President Trump insulted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi said the president had a "meltdown" and called Pelosi a "third-grade politician." 

"I think that vote, the size of the vote — more than two-to-one of the Republicans voted to oppose what the president did — probably got to the president, because he was shaken up by it," Pelosi said. "And that's why we couldn't continue in the meeting, because he was just not relating to the reality of it." 

"I see a pattern of behavior with Speaker Nancy Pelosi," House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said. "She storms out of another meeting, trying to make it unproductive. The other Democrats stayed and actually had a very productive meeting." 

Wednesday's resolution not only opposes the administration's decision, but also calls on the White House to "present a clear and specific plan for enduring defeat of ISIS." 

The joint resolution could also head to the Senate for a vote, where it also has bipartisan support.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.