House Democrats are fine tuning the next Iraq bill:
House Democrats may push ahead this week with a new war spending bill that would provide money for combat operations through midsummer, with the rest of the funds sought by President Bush withheld until commanders in Iraq provide a report on conditions there.The Republicans are squirming. They're all freaking out, but they've decided to stand by George Bush. The Republicans have never had a plan to deal with Iraq. The Democrats do. And, the Democrats need to make those GOPers vote over and over.
Senior Democratic officials say the proposal, which is still being put together and could reach a floor vote by the week’s end, is an attempt to provide the Pentagon with the money it needs while keeping pressure on Mr. Bush over his conduct of the war.
The House leadership had made no final decision, but aides said Representative Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker, was leaning toward the approach, which was developed by Representatives David Obey of Wisconsin and John P. Murtha of Pennsylvania, two senior Democrats on the Appropriations Committee.
Congressional officials said that so far, the proposal had not met serious opposition from the party’s antiwar wing or from more moderate Democrats anxious about being accused of not financing the military.
It does not include the timeline for withdrawal that drew Mr. Bush’s veto of the initial $124 billion bill, but it would require a second vote by Congress to release the bulk of the money.
We're hearing that Senator Reid is keeping a close eye on the House plan -- and keeping an open mind. Keep an eye on what Senator Feingold thinks.
