Senate Nears Vote on Escalation

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has passed a nonbinding resolution condemning the escalation of the war. While Vice President Dick Cheney is absolutely right when he says “It won’t stop us,” the measure will at least force lawmakers to take a stand on the issue until tougher legislation can be passed.

BBC:

Before the hearing Vice President Dick Cheney dismissed the objections, saying: “It won’t stop us, and it would be, I think, detrimental from the standpoint of the troops.”

Before the resolution goes to the full Senate, [Sen. Joseph R.] Biden has said he is willing to negotiate changes in hope of attracting support from more Republicans.

A growing list of Republican senators—including Gordon Smith, George Voinovich and Sam Brownback—have said they will back the proposals, AP news agency reports.

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news.bbc.co.uk

From left, Sens. Joseph Biden, Chuck Hagel and Carl Levin, sponsors of a resolution opposing Bush’s plan to send more troops to Iraq.