Democrats plan non-stop Iraq debate

WASHINGTON, July 17 (UPI) -- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., plans to go to the mattresses over Iraq, with a non-stop debate beginning Tuesday.

At issue is an amendment to the authorization bill for defense spending that would set a date in 2008 for a U.S. redeployment, CNN reported. Republicans have so far been able to prevent Democrats from getting the 60 senators needed for a floor vote.

"We're going to continue working on this until we get a vote on this amendment," Reid said.

The Senate majority leader plans other votes during the all-night hours. He ordered cots for the use of senators who want to catch some shut-eye without leaving the chamber, although no one knows how many will actually feel obliged to stick around all night.

In addition to the extended debate in Washington, Democrats were taking the fight to the country. MoveOn.org planned rallies Tuesday aimed at Republican senators in moderate states, and Democratic leaders were also hitting the airwaves.