Putting aside their political affiliations, Congress has passed authorization to combat the Islamic State militant group before going on recess, and it is ready for President Barack Obama's signature.

The House of Representatives, by a 273 to 156 vote, authorized the U.S. Department of Defense to help train opposition members in Syria. According to Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, the House vote represents an "important, initial step" in confronting the Islamic State, also known as ISIL or ISIS.

Although the House vote included votes by Democrats, Boehner said, "ISIL represents a direct threat to the safety and security of the United States, and House Republicans are firmly committed to doing everything we can to help keep America safe."

While 40 percent of House Democrats voted against the authorization, the Obama administration was not troubled. White House Press Secretary John Earnest said the administration was "very pleased" with Republicans and Democrats coming together to support Obama's proposal.

"That doesn't happen very often these days in Washington, D.C., and we were pleased to see members of Congress put aside partisan labels and actually focus on this core priority," Earnest said during Thursday's press briefing.

"And like I said, this is a testament to the willingness of members of Congress -- even those who voted against it -- to put aside their partisan labels, to carefully consider the proposal in front of them and vote their conscience. And that is the responsibility of elected members of Congress. But in this case, I believe that they deserve credit for faithfully executing that responsibility."

Thursday also saw the U.S. Senate vote 78 to 22 to fund the Syrian rebels against the Islamic State militant group.

"Democrats and Republicans spoke with one voice to tell the ISIS terrorists: we will find you and destroy you," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said in a statement.

Reid said the Senate passed a "strong bill" for the Syrian opposition fighters to be armed and trained as part of Obama's strategy to stop the Islamic State. He also said the strategy will be carried out without repeating past mistakes in the Middle East.

"As the President made clear, it is up to the people of Iraq, Syria, and the region to stand up to protect their homes and families against these cruel killers," Reid said, noting the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is working to determine the next steps for the battle against the extremist militant group.

Following the Senate vote, Obama said he was "pleased" with Congress's agreement to equip and train Syrian rebels. While noting the French offensive that will include air strikes against ISIL territories in Iraq, Obama said the quickness in receiving the authorization proves that Americans are united to confront the threats by the Islamic State.

"These Syrian opposition forces are fighting both the brutality of ISIL terrorists and the tyranny of the Assad regime," Obama said.

"We had already ramped up our assistance, including military assistance, to the Syrian opposition. With this new effort, we'll provide training and equipment to help them grow stronger and take on ISIL terrorists inside Syria. This program will be hosted outside of Syria, in partnership with Arab countries, and it will be matched by our increasing support for Iraqi government and Kurdish forces in Iraq."

According to Obama, the current air strike campaigns are destroying the militant group's equipment, stockpiles and vehicles. In addition, Obama noted more than 40 countries have offered assistance for the campaign, including Arab nations.

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