House Dems Seek Votes for Iraq Measure

Democratic leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives are seeking to gather enough votes for a binding measure setting a deadline for an Iraq withdrawal.

The measure, which would set Aug. 31, 2008, as the deadline for U.S. combat troops to be withdrawn from Iraq, is being pushed as part of a supplemental funding bill.

The Washington Post reported members of the antiwar Out of Iraq Caucus told Democratic leaders they will vote in favor of the funding bill if it includes the pullout timeline.

However, U.S. President George Bush said he plans to veto the bill if it includes the withdrawal addition.

Democratic leaders were turning Thursday to members of their own party who remain undecided about the plan, including Reps. Keith Ellison, D-Minn.; Brad Ellsworth, D-Ind.; and Hank Johnson, D-Ga.

Republicans decried the fact that several non-military funding items — such as millions of dollars for peanut storage — have been included in the measure.

A vote on the measure is scheduled for Friday but Democratic leaders said it will not reach the floor unless they have enough votes to guarantee it passes.