Senate Backs a Pullout Date in Iraq War Bill 50-48 - NYT

Republicans decided not to waste time on slow down maneuvers like a filibuster but have a straight vote. They lost 50 to 48. This sets up the later game of chicken with the president. If Democrats insist on beginning to withdraw from Iraq as a condition for more money who will blink? If an impasse occurs in Washington what happens when the funds run out?

One Democratic Senator voted against this - Mark Pryor of Arkansas. Republicans Hagel and Smith also voted to begin withdrawal.

The measure would require our troops start leaving in 120 days but not lay down a specific timetable for the withdrawal, using March 31, 2008 as a non binding date.

Tags: Iraq, Senate, vote, withdrawal