Biden plan for Iraq endorsed by Senate

[cyberpj]

Biden plan for Iraq endorsed by Senate
Big bipartisan majority backs proposal for loose federalism
By NICOLE GAUDIANO
News Journal Washington Bureau
Posted Thursday, September 27, 2007

Sen. Joe Biden called the Senate vote Wednesday a rejection of the president's Iraq strategy.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly supported a bipartisan plan for a political settlement in Iraq on Wednesday, passing a measure proposed by Sen. Joe Biden to promote a federal political system with a weak central government and three regional states.

The measure, attached to a defense spending bill, is not binding on the Bush administration, but was significant for the 75-23 vote, a victory margin that included the support of 26 Republicans.

It was the first amendment able to pass the Senate among a slew of measures put forward by Democrats in the past two weeks designed to pressure Bush into a change in direction on Iraq policy. Most fell short of the 60 votes needed for passage because Republicans refused to sign on.

Link:
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070927/NEWS/709270381/1006/NEWS