Hoyer Puts Republicans in a Bind Over War

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Sunday the upcoming debate over the Iraq war will be confined to four straight days of arguing over President Bush's escalation of the military campaign.

Hoyer used an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" to break a promise he made publicly late last week to allow Republicans a vote of their choice pertaining to the war effort. In doing so, Hoyer dramatically increased tensions in the war over war and thrust Republicans into a defensive crouch heading into this week's showdown over troop levels.

"We believe the American public wants a straightforward answer to the question, 'Do you agree with the president's proposal?'" Hoyer said.

Hoyer, a Democrat from Maryland, said Republicans will be prohibited from forcing a vote on an alternative resolution opposing cutting off funding for U.S. troops in Iraq.

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