WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Senate leaders said Tuesday they expect debate to begin soon on a joint resolution to authorize the use of force against Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq under certain conditions.
Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., and Minority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., said a vote could be held as early as next week.
Daschle said he expected staff from both parties and chambers of Congress to work on a resolution this week that could be ready for consideration by early next week, a sentiment echoed by Lott.
"Hopefully, by the weekend, we can have some bipartisan language to give support to the president" Lott said. "Then we can spend next week on debate."
Daschle said he expects the two parties to come to some ready agreement on the wording of the language and said he had been given some assurances that the White House would be "flexible" on some changes to the language sent to Congress.
Administration officials last week drafted a resolution for the consideration of Congress that authorizes the use of force by the United States to remove Saddam's regime.
