Dems Seek to Limit U.S. Iraq Involvement

General David Petraeus, second from left, is handed a flag by a staff member for Gen. George Casey, second from right, as he takes over as top commander for U.S. troops in Iraq at a ceremony at Al Faw Palace at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007. The U.S military is in the midst of an operation to secure Baghdad after months of escalating violence. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo) (Maya Alleruzzo - AP)

Murtha, D-Pa., said he believes the Army may have no units that can meet those standards, meaning Bush's attempt to increase the number of troops in the war would be checked.

The measure also may be amended to forbid creation of any permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq and razing the Abu Ghraib facility that was at the center of a prisoner torture scandal.

Murtha said it is possible the bill will also call for the closing of the facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, except in the case of several dozen detainees who will stand trial.

In the complicated politics of the war, the spending bill would face daunting hurdles.

Democrats determined to end the conflict have said they will not approve any more money to keep it going. Republicans who support Bush's policy would be unlikely to support limits on his power as commander in chief.

Unlike a nonbinding measure, legislation is always subject to a presidential veto.

But opponents of the war, their strength increased in last fall's congressional elections, say public opinion is moving their way.

"Increasingly, Republicans are uncomfortable and in public disagreement with the president's plan," said Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis. She said she favors withdrawing the troops "as soon as practicable."

"The only votes that make a difference to the president is the power of the purse," said Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., who called for the war's end two years ago.

Democratic presidential politics figure in the Iraq debate, too.

In the House, Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio has an 11-point plan to end the war.

Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York, Barack Obama of Illinois and Chris Dodd of Connecticut have outlined their own proposals. Sen. Joseph Biden has said he will have one, too.