EFBWASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate this week will pull its first all-night debate on the Iraq war in advance of a vote on whether to bring home all combat troops by next spring, Democrats said Monday. The rare, round-the-clock session Tuesday night through Wednesday morning is intended to bait Republicans into an exhaustive debate on the politically unpopular war, as well as punish GOP members for routinely blocking anti-war legislation. "How many sleepless nights have our soldiers and their families had?" said Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
Democrats are trying to ratchet up pressure on Republicans who have grown uneasy with the lack of progress and begun questioning President Bush's military strategy. Republicans shrugged off the planned marathon debate as political theater. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said GOP senators are "happy to stay and debate this."
Democrats want to pass legislation by Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., that would order combat troops to begin leaving in 120 days and complete the pullout by April 30. Republicans have insisted it take 60 votes to pass - a de facto filibuster threat because it takes as many votes to cut off debate under Senate rules. With only three
Frustrated by the minority's ability to block its anti-war proposals, Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid said he planned an endless night of
Not the kind of All-Nighter Teddy Kennedy was hoping for.