Democrats seek to amend FY 2011 spending bill with troop limitation language

House Democrats late Tuesday will attempt to add language to the full FY 2011 spending bill that would prohibit further military action in both Libya and Afghanistan. While the measures are expected to fail, the attempt shows continuing unease about U.S. military involvements overseas, including among some Republicans.

The House Rules Committee at 5 p.m. will take up H.R. 1473, which would fund the rest of FY 2011 according to last week's agreement between Congress and the White House. Democrats have filed seven amendments to that bill that they are expected to argue in favor of tonight.

One bipartisan amendment from Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), Ron Paul (R-Texas) and other members would prohibit funds from being used for any military involvement in Libya. A second, from Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), would allow funding for Afghanistan only if it were used to withdraw troops from that country.

A third, from Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), would reduce U.S. troop presence in Europe.

Democrats are also hoping to approve amendments to extend unemployment insurance for another 14 weeks, and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) has offered three amendments. Two of these would redirect federal school voucher funds to private schools, and the other would allow the District to spend its own money on abortions.