Study of Syria policy included in aviation bill

The creation of the so-called Syria Study Group was included in the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that easily passed the Senate on Wednesday.

The bill previously passed the House and now needs to be signed by President Trump.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen has been pushing for a while for the creation of the Syria Study Group, modeled after the Iraq Study Group that Congress established in 2006.

“I’m particularly glad to see the bipartisan, bicameral support for my provision to establish a Syria Study Group that will bring outside experts together to finally develop a US strategy in Syria, and pave a path forward to end the conflict,” Shaheen said in a statement Wednesday.

The group’s task is to “examine and make recommendations on the military and diplomatic strategy of the United States with respect to the conflict in Syria,” according to the bill.

A final report is due 180 days after the bill is enacted.

The creation of the group comes as the Trump administration has been sending conflicting signals on the future of US military operations in Syria.

National security advisor John Bolton said last week US military presence in Syria is dependent on Iran.

Later that day, Defense Secretary James Mattis said US troops are in Syria for “one purpose,” to defeat ISIS.