GOP Opposition to Troop Increase Grows

U.S. troops arrive near the scene of a twin bombing in central Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Jan. 22, 2007. Two bombs exploded seconds apart in a predominantly Shiite commercial area in central Baghdad on Monday, killing at least 65 people and wounding at least 113, police said. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim) (Karim Kadim - AP)

Warner said he believed his plan would offer broader appeal among Republicans than Hagel's proposal. While largely similar, Warner's measure leaves open the possibility of Bush sending small numbers of troops to certain areas, such as Anbar province, and avoids terms some say are partisan.

"It's a stronger message when it has significant bipartisan support. ... This resolution will really, I think, be a very strong message to the White House," Nelson said.

But not every member is willing to sign on.

"It declares General Petraeus' new strategy a failure before it has a chance to be implemented," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio said he has told the president "that the support is still strong among Republicans but there are a lot of our members who are skeptical that the plan will work" because of doubts that the Iraqi government will follow through on its commitments.

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