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US Senate in Iraq war 'deadlock' US Senate rejects Iraq troop bid
(about 2 hours later)
Democrats in the US Senate appear to have failed to force a vote on whether to withdraw troops from Iraq by the end of April, despite an all-night debate. Democrats in the US Senate have failed to force a vote on whether to withdraw troops from Iraq by the end of April, despite a rare all-night debate.
Beds, pillows and snacks were brought in for the 24-hour session, aimed at putting pressure on the Republicans who have been blocking the vote.Beds, pillows and snacks were brought in for the 24-hour session, aimed at putting pressure on the Republicans who have been blocking the vote.
But a crucial handful of Republicans who have criticised the president's Iraq policy refused to back the plan.But a crucial handful of Republicans who have criticised the president's Iraq policy refused to back the plan.
Republican leaders dismissed the debate as a publicity stunt.Republican leaders dismissed the debate as a publicity stunt.
Republicans have been blocking a vote on the troop withdrawal by requiring Democrats to clear a procedural hurdle of 60 rather than a simple majority of the Senate's 100 members.Republicans have been blocking a vote on the troop withdrawal by requiring Democrats to clear a procedural hurdle of 60 rather than a simple majority of the Senate's 100 members.
The US Senate is still in session and a vote to bring the debate to an end is to take place at about 1100 (1500 GMT). Bringing to a close the marathon talks, the senators reached a majority but fell short of the threshold needed to move the proposal forward.
A US Senate spokesman told the BBC that the Democrats, who control the Senate 51-49, were not expected to raise the votes needed to move the proposal to a final ballot.
The BBC's James Westhead in Washington says although three Republicans have backed the bill, a handful of other waverers have not, leaving it doomed without enough support.
Sleepless nightSleepless night
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to lobby members of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Mr Bush's Iraq policy.Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to lobby members of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Mr Bush's Iraq policy.
The Democrats want to put pressure on wavering RepublicansThe legislation at stake, proposed by Democratic senators Carl Levin and Jack Reed, requires the withdrawal of most US troops from Iraq by the end of April 2008, with redeployment starting within 120 days of the bill's passage. The Democrats want to put pressure on wavering RepublicansThe legislation, proposed by Democratic senators Carl Levin and Jack Reed, required the withdrawal of most US troops from Iraq by the end of April 2008, with redeployment starting within 120 days of the bill's passage.
Senate Democratic Majority leader Harry Reid said: "Republicans will need to choose whether they want to protect the president or protect our troops." Even if the measure had been passed, President George W Bush has said he would veto any bill that called on him to set a timetable for withdrawing troops.
Even if the measure were passed, President George W Bush has said he will veto any bill that calls on him to set a timetable for withdrawing troops.
Opening the round-the-clock debate on Tuesday, Democrat Richard Durbin said: "The Senate spending a sleepless night is no great sacrifice. Soldiers and families who pray for them spend many sleepless nights."Opening the round-the-clock debate on Tuesday, Democrat Richard Durbin said: "The Senate spending a sleepless night is no great sacrifice. Soldiers and families who pray for them spend many sleepless nights."
But Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said: "Our enemies aren't threatened by talk-a-thons, and our troops deserve better than publicity stunts."But Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said: "Our enemies aren't threatened by talk-a-thons, and our troops deserve better than publicity stunts."
Many Republicans have backed Mr Bush's call to wait until a 15 September progress report on Iraq before considering a change in direction.Many Republicans have backed Mr Bush's call to wait until a 15 September progress report on Iraq before considering a change in direction.
Anti-war demonstrators held a candle-lit vigil outside the Senate as the marathon debate continued overnight.