The Democratic-controlled Senate narrowly signaled support Tuesday (Wednesday Middle East time) for the withdrawal of American combat troops from Iraq by next March, triggering an instant veto threat from the White House.
Republican efforts to scuttle the nonbinding timeline failed, 50-48, the AP reported. Majority Leader Harry Reid stated the moment was at hand to "send a message to President Bush that the time has come to find a new way forward in this intractable war."
"It is a choice between staying the course in Iraq or changing the course in Iraq," he said.
Bush had previously said he would veto any bill that he deemed an attempt to micromanage the war, and the White House reiterated the threat a few hours before the vote and again afterward. "The president is disappointed that the Senate continues down a path with a bill that he will veto and has no chance of becoming law," it said.
