House Democrats Labor To Set Anti-War Majority
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
WASHINGTON — On the eve of a critical vote, House Democrats labored yesterday to lock down a majority behind a September 1, 2008, deadline for the withdrawal of American combat troops from Iraq.
“If it comes off, it’s a superb accomplishment,” said Rep. Barney Frank, a Democrat of Massachusetts, as the party’s leaders cajoled liberals who want an even faster timetable and moderates fearful of tying the hands of the commander in chief and generals in the field.
Democratic aides expressed growing confidence of success when the vote is called, and four of the bill’s most consistent critics said they had told the House speaker, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, that they would help pass it, even though they intend to personally vote against it.
