No Common Ground
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: “We had a responsibility to the American people to try to find our common ground. Where we didn't find our common ground, we would stand our ground.”
House Democrats have passed a plan that would withhold more than half of the $100 billion Bush wants. Their approach is to approve $43 billion through July. The rest of the money will be approved after Bush gives Congress a detailed report on Iraq's military and political progress.
Pelosi hopes that the reporting requirement will be enough to satisfy those furious about funding the war without a plan to bring troops home. House Democrats were hoping to get support from rank-and-file Republicans who believe that it's past time to pressure the Iraqi government, but Republican support never materialized.
Politically vulnerable Republicans like Congressman Jim Gerlach and Senator Susan Collins say September could be a turning point. That's when Iraq commanding general David Petraeus will report on whether the U.S. strategy is working. Senator Collins says her support for troops staying in Iraq hinges on that report.
Senator Susan Collins says: “It's evident that the new strategy is not successful and it's not going to succeed, that we do have to change course, and that means looking at all the options, including a plan for withdrawing.”
Rep. Jim Gerlach of Pennsylvania admits that we need to put things out in front of the Iraqi government that makes them realize they have to do certain things to continue the support of the American people.
The immediate challenge still is, how to fund the war. The House pushed through, the short term funding plan, but it has not been popular among Senate Democrats. Senate majority leader, Harry Reid says he's leaving all options on the table, and is still trying to negotiate a deal with Bush.
The White House blasted the plan, because “it denies General David Petraeus the flexibility, the latitude and predictability he needs on the ground to try and succeed in Iraq.” In fact, General Petraeus himself has created September as a deadline, saying that's when he wants to find out whether or not there has been progress from this increase in U.S. troops.
House Democrats have passed a plan that would withhold more than half of the $100 billion Bush wants. Their approach is to approve $43 billion through July. The rest of the money will be approved after Bush gives Congress a detailed report on Iraq's military and political progress.
Pelosi hopes that the reporting requirement will be enough to satisfy those furious about funding the war without a plan to bring troops home. House Democrats were hoping to get support from rank-and-file Republicans who believe that it's past time to pressure the Iraqi government, but Republican support never materialized.
Politically vulnerable Republicans like Congressman Jim Gerlach and Senator Susan Collins say September could be a turning point. That's when Iraq commanding general David Petraeus will report on whether the U.S. strategy is working. Senator Collins says her support for troops staying in Iraq hinges on that report.
Senator Susan Collins says: “It's evident that the new strategy is not successful and it's not going to succeed, that we do have to change course, and that means looking at all the options, including a plan for withdrawing.”
Rep. Jim Gerlach of Pennsylvania admits that we need to put things out in front of the Iraqi government that makes them realize they have to do certain things to continue the support of the American people.
The immediate challenge still is, how to fund the war. The House pushed through, the short term funding plan, but it has not been popular among Senate Democrats. Senate majority leader, Harry Reid says he's leaving all options on the table, and is still trying to negotiate a deal with Bush.
The White House blasted the plan, because “it denies General David Petraeus the flexibility, the latitude and predictability he needs on the ground to try and succeed in Iraq.” In fact, General Petraeus himself has created September as a deadline, saying that's when he wants to find out whether or not there has been progress from this increase in U.S. troops.
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