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Democrats to sign Iraq funds bill Democrats sign Iraq funding bill
(about 2 hours later)
The leaders of the Democrat-controlled US Congress are preparing to sign a bill linking war funding to a timetable for withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. The leaders of the Democrat-controlled US Congress have signed a controversial bill linking war funding to a timetable for withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.
President George W Bush has vowed to veto the bill once it reaches his desk. President George W Bush has said he will veto the legislation immediately.
Congress has agreed to provide $100bn (£50bn) in further funding for the war on condition US troops start withdrawing from Iraq in October. Signing the bill, Democratic Senate Leader Harry Reid urged Mr Bush to "listen to the American people".
Tuesday is the fourth anniversary of a speech in which Mr Bush declared major combat operations in Iraq over. Congress has agreed to $100bn (£50bn) in further funding for the war on condition US troops start withdrawing from Iraq in October.
Much has been made of the fact the Democrats intend to hand the bill to Mr Bush on the anniversary of his high-profile speech on the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, in which he stood beneath a banner proclaiming "mission accomplished". The White House said Mr Bush would veto the legislation shortly. He will then make a televised statement.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino accused the Democrats of cynically delaying the bill for political gain. It will be only the second time since taking office that Mr Bush has used the presidential veto.
"It's very disturbing to think that they possibly held up this money for the troops and the troops' families and the resources they need to try some PR stunt on this day," Ms Perino said.
The veto by President Bush will be the second time he has used that power since taking office.
Compromise talksCompromise talks
The bill is due to be signed by Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid at a news conference on Capitol Hill. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Mr Reid signed the bill at a televised news conference on Capitol Hill.
A spokeswoman for Ms Pelosi said it would be sent to the White House immediately afterwards. "With the benchmarks to hold the Iraqi government accountable, this legislation respects the wishes of the American people to end the Iraq war," Ms Pelosi said.
Pointing to the high death toll for US troops in Iraq last month, Mr Reid said it was time for Iraq to take responsibility for its future.
"We renew our call to President Bush. There is still time to listen to the American people. There is still time to sign this bill and change course in Iraq," he said.
Tuesday is the fourth anniversary of a speech in which Mr Bush declared major combat operations in Iraq over, standing beneath a banner proclaiming "mission accomplished".
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino accused the Democrats of cynically delaying the bill so it would coincide with the anniversary for political gain.
"It's very disturbing to think that they possibly held up this money for the troops and the troops' families and the resources they need to try some PR stunt on this day," Ms Perino said.
The Senate last week voted 51 to 46 in favour of the legislation , which says the pull-out must start by 1 October and sets a target of completion by 31 March 2008.The Senate last week voted 51 to 46 in favour of the legislation , which says the pull-out must start by 1 October and sets a target of completion by 31 March 2008.
Mr Bush is expected to meet congressional leaders on Wednesday to try to reach a compromise on a revised funding bill for US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.Mr Bush is expected to meet congressional leaders on Wednesday to try to reach a compromise on a revised funding bill for US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Speaking on Monday, he reiterated his determination to veto any bill setting "artificial timetables" for troop withdrawal and tying the hands of the generals in Iraq. The president says he is committed to his "surge" strategy, under which thousands of extra US troops are being poured into Baghdad.
"I believe there's a lot of Democrats that understand that we need to get the money to the troops as soon as possible," he said.
Mr Bush says he is committed to his "surge" strategy, under which thousands of extra US troops are being poured into Baghdad.
The top US general in Iraq, David Petraeus, has said reducing forces could lead to increased violence.The top US general in Iraq, David Petraeus, has said reducing forces could lead to increased violence.