Senate to debate Iraq pullout

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Senators voted yesterday to start an Iraq debate, as Republicans for the first time let the debate happen although they have no intention of giving the Democrats a final vote on a bill calling for troop withdrawal by next March.

The Senate voted 89-9 to begin debating a binding resolution that calls for starting to pull out troops within four months, with all soldiers out of Iraq by March 31, 2008. The proposal drew an immediate veto threat from President Bush.

The legislation asserts Congress will "support and protect" troops serving "bravely and honorably in Iraq," but notes circumstances have "changed substantially" since legislators approved war authorization in October 2002.

If passed, the resolution would allow for some troops to remain in Iraq for counterterrorism operations, infrastructure protection and training of Iraqi forces. It also calls for Mr. Bush to give progress reports every 90 days.

"Democrats are united in our efforts to transition the mission in Iraq and redeploy our troops so that America can maximize the chances for success in Iraq and better fight the war on terror," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. "America cannot stay in Iraq forever."

The White House quickly issued a veto threat, despite the unlikelihood of the plan getting the 60 votes it would need to pass.

The resolution "infringes upon the constitutional authority of the president as commander in chief by imposing an artificial timeline to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq, regardless of the conditions on the ground or the consequences of defeat," administration officials said.

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky called the plan "the memo our enemies have been waiting for," adding: "Setting a date certain for withdrawal will send a chill up the spine of every Iraqi who has dared to stand with America."

Mr. Reid criticized his Republican colleagues for blocking the debate for more than a month, and said this debate may last less than 48 hours.

"Agreeing to a debate is not enough," he said. "Republicans must heed the voices of their constituents and the overwhelming majority of Americans and vote to change the president's flawed Iraq policy."