On Capitol Hill, the House has passed a nonbinding resolution opposing the escalation of the war in Iraq. The resolution passed by a 246-to-182 vote. Meanwhile in the Senate, Republicans on Saturday blocked a vote on a similar resolution.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi: “The passage of this legislation will signal a change in direction in Iraq that will end the fighting and bring our troops home safely and soon.”

Several Democratic lawmakers are now proposing ways to limit President Bush’s power to expand the war.

Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI), chair of Senate Armed Forces Committee: “I think we’ll be looking at a modification of that authorization in order to limit the mission of American troops to a support mission instead of a combat mission. And that is very different from cutting off funds. I don’t think there is support to cut off funds. I think that sends the wrong message to our troops. We’re going to support our troops, but one way to support them is to find a way out of Iraq earlier rather than later.”

A group of Republicans are continuing to criticize the Democratic leadership for bringing the nonbinding resolution to a vote.

Texas Congressman Sam Johnson: “Debating nonbinding resolutions aimed at earning political points only destroys morale, stymies success, and emboldens the enemy. The grim reality is that this House measure is the first step to cutting funding of the troops.”