US Senate panel reaches deal on draft authorization on Syria

2nd L table, L - R) US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, US Secretary of State John Kerry and General Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, present the administration's case for US military action against Syria to a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing in Washington September 3, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - Leaders of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee said ?they reached an agreement on Tuesday on a draft authorization for the use of military force in Syria.

Among other provisions, the draft, which was obtained by Reuters, sets a 60-day limit on military action in Syria, with a possibility for a single 30-day extension subject to conditions.

It also includes a provision banning any use of US armed forces on the ground in Syria, according to the draft document, which is due to be voted on by the committee on Wednesday. If it is approved by the committee, it would be sent to the full Senate for a vote after members return on Sept 9 from their August recess.