By The Associated Press 18 minutes ago
Highlights of the latest version of an Iraq war resolution by Sen. John Warner (news, bio, voting record), R-Va., that is winning support from Democratic leaders and some Republicans and is expected to be debated next week by the Senate.
• Keeps the original language stating the Senate "disagrees with the 'plan' to augment our forces by 21,500, and urges the president instead to consider all options and alternatives for achieving the strategic goals set forth below."
• Adds a provision stating that Congress "should not take any action that will endanger United States military forces in the field, including the elimination or reduction of funds for troops in the field."
• Eliminates a phrase stating that President Bush should try to achieve his strategic goals in Iraq with fewer troops than proposed. Democrats wanted this phrase struck because it was seen as supportive of sending some additional troops to Iraq, if not all 21,500.
• Expands a provision stating U.S. commitment in Iraq must not be "open-ended" by specifying benchmarks for the Iraqi government. The Iraqis should deploy additional forces to Baghdad, ensure "equitable distribution" of oil resources, and allow Iraqi commanders to make "tactical and operational decisions without political intervention," the resolution states.
• Adds a non-controversial measure stating that the Pentagon should "clarify the command and control arrangements in Baghdad." This provision is intended to ensure U.S. troops helping train the Iraqis report to U.S. commanders and not Iraqi commanders.
• Doesn't include a provision that was in a competing resolution that top Democrats had been supporting, which says the troop increase was not in the national interest.