US faces long battle on Iraq funding

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By Jane O'Brien BBC News, Washington

How to fund the war in Iraq has become a battle of political wills in the US, with the White House, the Democrat-controlled Congress and Republicans struggling to find a policy on which they can all agree.

The Democrats and White House remain a long way apart on IraqPresident George W Bush has already vetoed one spending bill because the $100bn (£50bn) he asked for was approved by Congress only on the condition that a timetable was made to withdraw American troops from Iraq.

On Thursday, the House approved a new plan that would release some $43bn (£21.8bn) immediately but would require a satisfactory report on progress in Iraq and a second vote in July to release the remaining $50bn or so.

Republicans say the two-stage approach is unworkable - and Mr Bush says he will veto this bill too if it reaches his desk.

However, that is not likely to happen because the Senate is expected to come up with a different proposal next week which must be agreed by Congress before being presented as a unified bill to the White House.

All parties have stressed the importance of settling the issue before the Memorial Day holiday at the end of May.

But they are still a long way apart and there will be intense negotiations, publicly and behind the scenes, before an agreement can be reached.

Accountability

One area of common ground is setting benchmarks for the Iraqi government.

Many Americans want to see troops come home, as the death toll risesThe US administration has already been pushing Iraq's parliament to update its constitution, set a date for provincial elections and pass laws to share national oil revenues equitably.

"Benchmarks make sense," said Mr Bush. But he is unlikely to agree to binding consequences, such as withdrawing troops or funding, if those benchmarks are not met.

And that will be a major sticking point with the Democrats and some moderate Republicans who want accountability.

For the Democrats, this is an opportunity to change the course in Iraq by using their influence over funding.

"Democrats are not going to give the President a blank cheque for a war without end," said Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The party leadership believes it has the backing of the majority of Americans who want their troops out of Iraq.

But by continually defying the president and delaying funding, the Democrats also risk being accused of failing to support the military at a time of war.

'Surge' effect

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has already warned that delays are jeopardising Pentagon operations elsewhere.

Gen Petraeus will report back on the 'surge' strategy in September"The army already is slowing spending in a number of areas here at home to provide money to fully fund the war," he said.

Meanwhile, senior Republicans have told Mr Bush that he cannot count on their support indefinitely and that the unpopularity of the war is damaging the party's prospects in the 2008 elections.

Republican Representative for Virginia Tom Davis was one of those who met the president and his aides on Tuesday.

"We let them know that the status quo is not acceptable," he said.

But Republican support and future White House policy will most likely depend on the top US commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus.

He will report in September on whether the so-called "surge" of some 20,000 American troops is having any significant effect.

That report is being widely seen as pivotal for the political debate in Washington.