The administration is expected to inform Congress in a mandatory report the Iraqi government has failed to meet any of its U.S.-ordered political or economic goals. Ongoing chaos on the ground and Republican defections at home have fueled reports the administration would announce an early withdrawal. But White House Press Secretary Tony Snow insisted U.S. troops are in Iraq to stay.

White House Press Secretary Tony Snow: “There is no intensifying discussion about removing troops. What there is, is — what we are talking about is a surge that just got complete, in terms of troop elements, two weeks ago.”