“We’ve had four other surges since we first went into Iraq,” said Sen. Susan Collins, referring to the administration’s plan for an additional 21,500 troops. “None of them produced a long-lasting change in the situation on the ground. “So I am very skeptical that this surge would produce the desired outcome,” said the Maine Republican .
In the Senate , Collins joined two Republicans and one Democrat to unveil nonbinding legislation expressing disagreement with Bush’s plan. The president should consider “all options and alternatives” involving a smaller force, the measure said.
