Democrats may deny funds for Iraq surge
WASHINGTON - In a blunt challenge to
President Bush, the leader of the Senate's new Democratic majority said Monday he will "look at everything" within his power to wind down the war in
Iraq, short of cutting off funding for troops already deployed.
"I think we've got to tell the president what he's doing as wrong. We've got to start bringing our folks home," said Sen. Harry Reid (
news,
bio,
voting record) of Nevada, in remarks that portend a struggle if, as expected, Bush announces plans later this week for an increase in troop strength of 20,000.
Meanwhile, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy said one option under consideration would be for Congress to vote on denying the use of funds for such an increase in the U.S. deployment. Several officials said the Massachusetts Democrat was hoping lawmakers could register their views before any increase in troops was implemented.
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