"Providing military assistance to the Free Syrian Army and other opposition groups is necessary, but at this late hour, that alone will not be sufficient to stop the slaughter and save innocent lives, " the Arizona Republican said in an impassioned speech in the U.S. Senate.

CNN: McCain calls for airstrikes on Syria

His sermon started with his usual impassioned opposition to the continued presence of U.S. troops in Iraq.

NPR: American Raid Follows Sadr's Return to Public Eye

Instead, it was the result of two roll call votes taken in the course of many hours of impassioned debate on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy