Democrats win Iraq vote 218-212

In a major victory for Democrats, the House passed a measure Friday that requires most U.S. troops to leave Iraq by September 2008 or earlier.

The language was part of a $124 billion supplemental appropriations bill that funds U.S. military action in Iraq and Afghanistan. The underlying legislation passed by a vote of 218-212.

At the beginning of the week, passage of the bill still looked like a steep uphill climb for Democratic leaders. However, they convinced enough centrists and liberals, many of whom had called for stronger language, to support the legislation.

As a result, House Democrats delivered the strongest challenge yet to President Bush’s Iraq policy.

The White House already has said Bush would veto the legislation if it reaches the president's desk. Spokesman Tony Snow Thursday characterized the House effort as “basically a wheel-spinning exercise.”