Murtha: 'We're going to stop this surge'

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House Democrats today outlined their plan to restrict President Bush's use of war funding, with the goal of gradually ending the war in Iraq.

"This legislation will force the administration to consider alternatives rather than escalating," said Rep. John Murtha, Pennsylvania Democrat, during an interview that was aired this morning, in a unique twist, on a Web site: MoveCongress.org.

Mr. Murtha detailed, during a 24-minute interview, his plan to use the appropriations process to hamstring the president's use of war funds. Mr. Murtha's plan is supported by House Democratic leaders, and is thought to be the less politically risky alternative.

Mr. Murtha repeatedly emphasized that his strategy "supports the troops" by requiring adequate training and equipment, as well as forbidding the president from sending soldiers to Iraq who have not been home, away from combat, for at least a year.

"What we're saying, it would be very hard to find fault with. The troops have to be equipped, they have to be trained, they can't be sent back without a year at home," Mr. Murtha said. "People have to understand we're supporting the troops, we're protecting the troops, but on the other hand, we're going to stop this surge."

The House is in their third day today of a four-day debate over a non-binding resolution that would express disapproval of the president's plan to "surge" around 27,000 U.S. soldiers into Iraq. But both Democrats and Republicans agree that the resolution is a prelude to the real battle in March over the appropriations for the war.

"The real vote will come on the legislation we are putting together. This nonbinding legislation is an opinion, but the legislation I am putting together first of all puts restrictions on the president," Mr. Murtha said.

Mr. Bush yesterday said that he hopes Congress does not restrict funding for the war, and House Republicans are working to publicize statements by hardcore anti-war House Democrats who are calling for all war funding to be cut off immediately.

Cutting off all funds for U.S. soldiers in harms way is a move that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is determined to avoid, but many Democrats are receiving intense pressure from constituents to take more dramatic action against the war.

Still, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Ohio Republican, labeled Mr. Murtha's plan "a plan to cut off funding for troops in harm's way."