Who is paying for America's plan to train and equip Syrian rebels?
Defense bill writers were told other nations will foot the bill.
![Rebel fighters demonstrate their skill with their weapons during a military display as part of a graduation ceremony at a camp in eastern al-Ghouta Rebel fighters demonstrate their skill with their weapons during a military display as part of a graduation ceremony at a camp in eastern al-Ghouta, near Damascus September 4, 2014. The newly graduated rebel fighters, who went through military training, will join the "Al-Habib al-Mustafa" Brigades. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh (SYRIA - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST CONFLICT) - RTR44WPX](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2014/12/RTR44WPX.jpg/RTR44WPX.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=7BXLSgPb)
The US House of Representatives passed an annual defense bill on Dec. 4 that makes it clear that US allies will pick up a sizable part of the tab for President Barack Obama's plan to train and equip vetted rebels in Syria.
The National Defense Authorization Act permits the mission for the next two years but does not specify a maximum spending amount, even though Obama had asked for $500 million when he unveiled the plan in June. Committee sources say that's because there's enough money for now, after moving around existing funds and factoring in foreign contributions.