Senate Dems Try New Tack

Senate Democrats have given up pushing a nonbinding anti-escalation resolution, and instead will try to limit the scope of military operations in Iraq, the first step, they say, in ending the war. Meanwhile, the House plans to pursue a different strategy altogether, hoping to choke off the supply of troops to the Iraq grinder.

AP:

While these officials said the precise wording of the measure remains unsettled, one draft would restrict American troops in Iraq to combating al-Qaida, training Iraqi army and police forces, maintaining Iraq’s territorial integrity and otherwise proceeding with the withdrawal of combat forces.

The officials, Democratic aides and others familiar with private discussions, spoke only on condition of anonymity, saying rank-and-file senators had not yet been briefed on the effort. They added, though, the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (news, bio, voting record) is expected to present the proposal to fellow Democrats early next week for their consideration.

The plan is to attempt to add the measure to anti-terrorism legislation that scheduled to be on the Senate floor next week and the week following.

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