Another Republican critic of Bush's policy, Sen. Norm Coleman of Minnesota, said: "I don't support the surge in Baghdad, but there are some things in the resolution I don't agree with, and so we're kind of looking at language."

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Bush's meeting with lawmakers was his third session in as many days as he struggles to build support for an increase in troops for a war that is opposed by the public and played a role in the Republican setbacks in last fall's elections.

In addition, National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley traveled to the Capitol to meet with House Republicans.

Complicating Bush's political predicament is Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who has said in recent days that the United States is not providing enough training and equipment for Iraqi forces.

"He's been constantly asking for an upgrade of troops as well as equipment, and we're providing that," Bush told Belo Corp. television in an interview.

"We may not be providing as quickly as he wants. But nevertheless it's a good sign when the prime minister says just give us the capabilities, and that's precisely what my new strategy and new plan is attempting to do."

Bush defended al-Maliki against skeptics by saying that Iraqi forces now are going after all people "who are fomenting the violence."

Democrats have grown increasing critical of Bush's Iraq policy. "This president has taken the nation through a failed war," said Sen. Robert C. Byrd in remarks on the Senate floor.

Four retired senior US military officers criticized the administration's strategy at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.

"It's a fool's errand," said Gen. Barry McCaffrey. "Our allies are leaving us," he said. "Make no mistake about that. Most will be gone by this summer."

Retired Marine Corps Gen. Joseph P. Hoar, said, "The new strategy reflects the inability of the administration to get it right." He said, "The proposed solution to send in more troops won't work. It is far too little and too late."

Hagel, long a critic of the war, said the administration's plans are doomed. "We are in a box, and putting our soldiers and Marines in more of a box and asking them to do things they cannot do," he said.

The committee's senior Republican, Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, said the Democratic-inspired legislation was unlikely to have any impact on Bush.

Describing the environment as politically charged, Lugar said, "We risk having reasoned debate descend into simplistic sloganeering."

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