Originally Posted by dc_dux

ace....the Dems took the redeployment timetable out of this specific bill as a concession to Bush and the Repubs in Congress. If the benchmarks are not met in the timeframe specified (or more likely by the end of the fiscal year, sept 30), Bush would have to make a new request for additional funding.

And, if the benchmarks are not met, I assume the Dems will then send him another bill with a timeframe and specifics for redeployment similar to what was in the earlier version Bush vetoed:

Directs the President to commence the phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq no later than 120 days after the enactment of this Act, with the goal of redeploying, by March 31, 2008, all U.S. combat forces from Iraq except for a limited number essential for: (1) protecting U.S. and coalition personnel and infrastructure; (2) training and equipping Iraqi forces; and (3) conducting targeted counterterrorism operations.

Requires redeployment implementation as part of a comprehensive diplomatic, political, and economic strategy that includes sustained engagement with Iraq's neighbors and the international community to collectively bring stability to Iraq.

Requires reports from the President to Congress every 90 days on progress made in implementing such redeployment.

<b>Hopefully, those Repub who have spoken publicly about the need for benchmarks to be met would support the follow-up bill in the numbers that would make it veto-proof.</b>

Its a tedious process and far from perfect, but that is how compromise works in politics. And compromise is the only way that we will find a way forward that a supermajority of Congress will support. It wont please the "fight to victory" crowd (whatever victory means) nor the "bring them all home now crowd"...but it will have.the support of the majority of the American people.