Senate GOP moves to scuttle Dems' plans for Iraq debate

Senate Republicans Wednesday afternoon moved to scuttle a Democratic bid to debate "sense of the Senate" legislation denouncing President Bush's policies on Iraq in general, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in particular. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., offered the measure as an amendment to the fiscal 2007 Defense appropriations bill, aiming to trigger an extended discussion of what Democrats argue are the Bush administration's failures and blunders in Iraq.

But Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, pledged to raise a point of order against the amendment. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., stressed that the amendment would be "soundly defeated" should it come to a vote.

"I am disappointed, in the middle of this bill, that Democratic leadership will engage in political posturing," Frist said. For their part, Democrats continued to push forward with their criticisms of Rumsfeld Wednesday. "You need to show strength and smarts," Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said, arguing that Rumsfeld has done neither.

Meanwhile, the Senate on Wednesday defeated an amendment to the Defense spending bill that would have barred the Pentagon from buying or using cluster bombs until it adopts rules of engagement to ensure the weapons do not harm civilians. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., stressed that the use of the cluster bombs near civilian areas was "unconscionable" and "immoral."

But Stevens argued it is not the province of Congress to define operational rules of engagement, and said the language would "dangerously restrict" warfare options available to military commanders. The military already has policies to limit danger to civilians in or near a combat zone, he added.

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., announced Wednesday he would offer an amendment to the spending bill to prohibit the Bush administration from spending military funds for public relations campaigns. Menendez accused President Bush of spending $20 million for a recent public relations strategy to sell the war.

"The American people aren't buying it," argued Menendez.

Frist said he intends to wrap up debate on the $468.4 billion Defense bill by Thursday so the Senate can turn to legislation dealing with port security, terrorist surveillance and military tribunals.

Senate GOP leaders also are trying to work out a time agreement to quickly pass the fiscal 2007 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill later this week, aides said. The schedule for that measure was still up in the air at presstime, as veterans' funding could become a potent political issue for Democrats to seize on.

Greta Wodele and Peter Cohn contributed to this report.