The top U.S. military officer says the Obama administration is considering the use of military force in Syria. General Martin Dempsey, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee Thursday he has provided President Obama with military options for the conflict between President Bashar al-Assad and rebel fighters. Dempsey responded to heated questions on Syria from Arizona Sen. John McCain.

Sen. John McCain: “I’m asking for your opinion.”

Gen. Martin Dempsey: “About the use of kinetic strikes. That issue is under deliberation inside of our agencies of government, and it would be inappropriate for me to try to influence the decision with me rendering an opinion in public about what kind of force we should use.”

McCain has vowed to block Dempsey’s reconfirmation over what he says are inadequate responses on Syria. The U.S. announced plans to arm the rebels last month, but the effort has stalled amid questions by Congress. Reuters, meanwhile, reports Britain has dropped its plans to arm the rebels due to public opposition and fear the weapons it provides could end up in the wrong hands.