By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-575600.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter is calling it "historic." For the first time in four years, the area's most powerful House member says congressional Democrats are refusing to give President Bush a "blank check" for the Iraq war.
Slaughter spent the weekend back home in Western New York after casting what she says was the most important vote of the new Congress. The House voted narrowly on Friday to approve a war-funding bill that would require the President to bring combat troops home from Iraq by September of next year. Slaughter said it holds the President accountable for the way his administration is carrying out the war.
Slaughter said the bill does not mean the US in conceding defeat. And she said it doesn't send troops the message that Congressional Democrats aren't supportive of them.
Still, Slaughter acknowledges the bill probably won't become law. Even if it were to pass the Senate, President Bush is promising a veto. And right now, there are not enough votes for an override.
Slaughter was joined by fellow Buffalo Democrat Brian Higgins in voting for the bill. Area Republicans Tom Reynolds and Randy Kuhl voted no.