Senate Republicans Change Tack on Iraq Debate

In a departure, most Senate Republicans joined their Democratic colleagues in voting to allow debate on a new resolution aimed at winding down U.S. participation in the Iraq war.

The vote is a new stance for Senate Republicans, who have twice blocked resolutions on an Iraq withdrawal that were opposed by the White House.

But the measure, which sets March 31, 2008, as the date by which all U.S. troops must be withdrawn, is unlikely to have enough bipartisan support to pass.

It would also require redeployment of forces in Iraq within four months of passage.