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Politics

Senate rejects curbs on tour duty

Democrats fail to get a veto-proof majority on a key Iraq priority.

WASHINGTON - The Senate blocked legislation Wednesday that would have regulated the amount of time troops spent in combat, a blow for Democrats struggling to challenge President Bush's Iraq policies.

The 56-44 vote was four votes short of reaching the 60 needed to cut off debate. It was the second time in two months that the bill, sponsored by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., was sidetracked. In July, a similar measure fell four votes short of advancing.

It was a defeat for Democrats, who have been unable to pass significant antiwar legislation by a veto-proof majority since taking control of Congress in January. The bill was seen as the Democrats' best shot because of its pro-military premise.

For Florida, Democrat Bill Nelson voted in favor of the amendment and Republican Mel Martinez voted against it.

The bill would have required that troops spend as much time at home training with their units as they spend deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan. Members of the National Guard or Reserve would be guaranteed three years at home before being sent back.

Most Army soldiers now spend about 15 months in combat with 12 months home.

The bill attracted three dozen co-sponsors, including Republicans Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, Olympia Snowe of Maine and Gordon Smith of Oregon.

But momentum behind the bill stalled Wednesday after Sen. John Warner, R-Va., announced he decided the consequences would be disastrous.

[Last modified September 20, 2007, 01:38:57]