House passes resolution condemning IS atrocities as genocide

WASHINGTON (AP) - The House has overwhelmingly approved a resolution that condemns as genocide the atrocities committed by the Islamic State group against Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria.

The non-binding measure passed 393-0, ratcheting up the pressure on the Obama administration to formally make a genocide declaration against the Islamic State.

Administration officials say Secretary of State John Kerry is leaning toward making the determination and could do so as early as this week, when a congressional deadline for action has been set.

But the officials cautioned that a legal review is still under way and said it is likely Kerry will not meet the March 17 deadline.

An executive branch determination of genocide carries far more weight than the House resolution.