Senate Backs Troop Pullout Timetable

Bill ties troop funding to March 2008 withdrawal deadline
By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 28, 2007 7:48 AM CDT
Senate Backs Troop Pullout Timetable
Senate Debates Bill Marking Timetable For Troop Withdrawal From Iraq    (Getty Images (by Event))

Democrats in the Senate  pulled off a surprise victory yesterday in their bid to force President Bush to bring troops home from Iraq—deflecting a GOP effort to kill the troop withdrawal plan. The Democrats’ proposal sets a March 2008 deadline for ending the conflict and is folded into a must-pass $122 billion package to fund the war.

Republican Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, a possible presidential contender, defected in a 50-48 split, as did Republican Gordon Smith and Democrat Mark Pryor.  Bush has vowed to veto any troop withdrawal plan. But the Democrats promise further action. "This is not one battle. It's a long-term campaign," says Charles Schumer. (More Congress stories.)

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