House rejects Bush's Iraq plan

Washington: The US House of Representatives denounced President George W. Bush's Iraq troop buildup on Friday in a symbolic challenge to his unpopular war strategy.

The Democratic-led House voted 246-182 for a resolution supporting US forces but opposing Bush's plan to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq.

The move would not force Bush to act, but supporters of the measure hope to pressure him to reverse course and start sending US soldiers home.

"Our troops have done a magnificent job [but] they cannot afford to continue to be policemen in a civil war," said Rep. Walter Jones.

Democrats are also considering ways to restrict Bush's use of $93.4 billion in new war funds to keep him from using it for the troop buildup.

The Senate has been deadlocked on procedural issues surrounding the Iraq debate. Senate Democrats are set to vote on Saturday on whether to consider the House Iraq resolution.