US Senate votes against Iraq troop withdrawal

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-17-2007 14:16

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid(2ndL), holds a news conference with Senators (L-R) Richard Durbin, John Kerry, and Sen. Russell Feingold, about Iraq war spending at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. The U.S. Senate voted on Wednesday to reject a measure that would cut off money for American combat operations in Iraq after March 31, 2008. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

The US Senate has voted overwhelmingly against withdrawing all combat troops from Iraq by the end of March.

Instead, a majority of senators are embracing an alternative plan using US reconstruction funds to facilitate Baghdad's progress in stabilizing the country.

Wednesday's vote drew worldwide attention.

Just last week, Iraq's president Jalal Talabani had argued against a hasty withdrawal of US troops. He said it could put his country in a difficult position to defend itself.

And the 67-29 vote indicates that an early withdrawal seems unlikely.

In the center of the bipartisan maneuvering was an amendment by Democratic Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin to cut off all funds for combat by March 31st.

Many Democratic senators have expressed disappointment over the result.

Senator Christopher Dodd, connecticut democrat, said, "The idea that there is a military solution to Iraq has been rejected from the very beginning of this conflict by the military and the leaders of our country and the idea somehow that this is a win-or-lose proposition in the middle of a civil war makes no sense to me whatsoever. And so I believe a true change in direction is necessary and I believe Feingold Reid offers the best opportunity for that."

The House of Representatives defeated a similar withdrawal plan last week.

But supporters of the plan were heartened by the 171 votes it attracted.

Republicans have pushed through an alternative. By a vote of 52 to 44, the Senate endorsed a plan that would make use of US reconstruction funds to aid Baghdad's progress in bringing political stability and military security.

The plan also requires the Bush administration to deliver reports on Iraq in July and September.

Senator John Warner, Virginia republican, said, "Now the purpose of this amendment is to require the

administration to keep the Congress well-informed. The situation in Iraq changes almost daily. Our losses continue and in my judgment it is the responsibility of every member of Congress to keep well versed on this situation."

The Bush administration is deploying 30,000 more troops in a last-ditch effort to stabilize Iraq.

More than 3,400 US troops have been killed in Iraq since 2003.

Editor:Du Xiaodan