GOP Senators Try to Outflank Dems on Iraq Funding Bill

After months of blocking Democrat-sponsored anti-war bills, Senate Republicans changed course sharply yesterday, agreeing to advance a bill that cuts off funding for combat in Iraq after 120 days. GOP senators made the switch on grounds that a debate over conditions in Iraq allows them time to hail progress in the war, giving them the upper hand, the AP reports.

A final vote on the bill, which President Bush vows to veto, would come late this week or next week. Top Democrats welcomed the Republicans' change of heart but accuse them of stalling on plans to debate domestic issues. Many Republicans believe John McCain's presidential chances to rest on the success of the surge in Iraq.