WASHINGTON - The Obama administration is nearing a decision on whether to formally declare that Islamic State group atrocities against religious minorities, including Christians, constitute "genocide."

Impatient lawmakers and religious groups are stepping up calls for action.

Several administration officials say Secretary of State John Kerry is leaning toward making the determination and could do so as early as next week, when a congressional deadline for action has been set. However, the officials caution that a legal review is still underway and say it is likely Kerry will not meet the March 17 deadline.

The House will vote on Monday on a bill that would identify the Islamic State's actions against Christians, Yezidis and other groups, including the Kurds, as "genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity."