US House debates resolution against Bush´s Iraq plan

Source: CCTV.com | 02-14-2007 16:01

The US House of Representatives has begun debating a resolution criticizing George W. Bush's plan to send more than 20,000 troops to Iraq. Wu Hanying has more on the non-binding resolution that would put the House on record as being against the increase.

The two-line resolution has effectively no power. But it divides the congressional body into supporters and critics of the president's policy on Iraq.

Nancy Pelosi, Democrat speaker of the House, said, "The American people have lost faith in President Bush's course of action in Iraq and they are demanding a new direction."

Representative John Bohner, Republican-Ohio, said, "For too long world leaders have responded to terrorism by retreating and just hoping for the best. In a post-9/11 world, this is no longer an option."

The measure is expected to go for a vote on Friday and Democrats say they expect it to pass with the support of a few Republican congressmen.

Senate Republicans critical of Bush's Iraq policy are also working on getting a vote on a similar resolution.

Recent polls show that a majority of Americans do not approve of Bush's plan to send another 21,500 troops to Iraq.

Editor:Du Xiaodan