LiberalNation
02-26-2008, 06:21 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080226/ap_on_go_co/us_iraq;_ylt=Ar44SsgfctRadqyyitxMhfMDW7oF
WASHINGTON - In an about-face, Senate Republicans on Tuesday agreed with Democrats to advance an anti-war bill because they said the debate would give them time to hail progress in Iraq.
The change of heart came after months of blocking similar measures. But unlike most of last year, security conditions in Iraq have improved, and Republicans say they now feel they have the upper hand on the debate.
"We welcome a discussion about Iraq," Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell declared.
The measure, by Democratic Sens. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin and Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, would cut off money for combat after 120 days. It had been expected to fall short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a procedural hurdle and move ahead.
But after Republicans agreed in a private meeting that the debate could help make their case, the Senate voted 70-24 to begin debating it in earnest.
Aides said a final vote could come later this week, but may be pushed into next week.
The White House said the president would veto such a measure.
"This legislation would substitute the political judgment of legislators for the considered professional military judgment of our military commanders," the administration said in a statement.
Democrats said they welcomed the debate, although they accused Republicans of stalling on plans to debate other issues, namely the nation's housing crisis.
Reid said "a civil war rages" in Iraq and shouldn't be the responsibility of U.S. taxpayers.
"Americans need to start taking care of Americans," he said. "We cannot spend a half billion dollars every day in Iraq."
In recent months, violence in Iraq has subsided significantly and the Baghdad government has made small steps toward political reconciliation, including plans to hold provincial elections on Oct. 1.
While Democratic voters remain largely against the war, polls have shown, the security improvement has helped to cool anxiety among Republicans and turned voters' focus to economic problems at home.
Still, Republicans say they have more convincing to do if they are to control the White House next year.
WASHINGTON - In an about-face, Senate Republicans on Tuesday agreed with Democrats to advance an anti-war bill because they said the debate would give them time to hail progress in Iraq.
The change of heart came after months of blocking similar measures. But unlike most of last year, security conditions in Iraq have improved, and Republicans say they now feel they have the upper hand on the debate.
"We welcome a discussion about Iraq," Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell declared.
The measure, by Democratic Sens. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin and Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, would cut off money for combat after 120 days. It had been expected to fall short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a procedural hurdle and move ahead.
But after Republicans agreed in a private meeting that the debate could help make their case, the Senate voted 70-24 to begin debating it in earnest.
Aides said a final vote could come later this week, but may be pushed into next week.
The White House said the president would veto such a measure.
"This legislation would substitute the political judgment of legislators for the considered professional military judgment of our military commanders," the administration said in a statement.
Democrats said they welcomed the debate, although they accused Republicans of stalling on plans to debate other issues, namely the nation's housing crisis.
Reid said "a civil war rages" in Iraq and shouldn't be the responsibility of U.S. taxpayers.
"Americans need to start taking care of Americans," he said. "We cannot spend a half billion dollars every day in Iraq."
In recent months, violence in Iraq has subsided significantly and the Baghdad government has made small steps toward political reconciliation, including plans to hold provincial elections on Oct. 1.
While Democratic voters remain largely against the war, polls have shown, the security improvement has helped to cool anxiety among Republicans and turned voters' focus to economic problems at home.
Still, Republicans say they have more convincing to do if they are to control the White House next year.