From CNN: Democrats considering ways to block escalation of war.
As President Bush prepares to announce an increase in the number of U.S. troops fighting in Iraq, some Democrats say they would consider blocking funding for the escalation.When asked whether Congress would consider cutting off the funds, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, "We're going take a look at it, of course."
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, said his "office is now investigating what tools are available to us to condition or constrain appropriations" for the surge in troops. But he cautioned he doesn't want troops already in Iraq to be "shortchanged."
"So it creates a difficult situation for Democrats," he said.
Aware of this concern, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, told reporters at a Capitol news conference Monday, "Democrats will not cut off funding for our troops."
But, an aide later explained, the speaker is open to restricting money for the escalation, after hearings on the president's new plan.
"We will always support the troops who are there," Pelosi said on CBS's "Face the Nation" Sunday. But, Pelosi added, "If the president wants to expand the mission, that's a conversation he has to have with the Congress of the United States.
But that's not ... a blank check to him to do whatever he wishes there."
Bush is scheduled to introduce his new Iraq strategy Wednesday night.
From CNN: Soldiers tell Gates more troops needed in Iraq.
Posted by Forkum at January 9, 2007 03:51 PM
|