Webb measure nears support to override filibuster

A measure by Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va) would reduce the number of US troops available for both Iraq and Afghanistan by mandating longer time at home. The amendment hit 56 votes in July and is apparently now closer to the 60 it needs to break a GOP filibuster. The President has said he will veto any such measure, and Webb is nowhere near the 67 votes necessary to override. Still, a story to watch. Here's the rundown from yesterday's Congressional Quarterly:

...After those votes, the Senate intends to move to an amendment by Jim Webb, D-Va., that would require that U.S. troops be given at least as much time at home as they spend deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. The Webb measure, which netted 56 votes in July, is now closer to the 60 votes needed to cut off an expected Republican filibuster. Among the GOP senators who may support the measure are Specter, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and George V. Voinovich of Ohio.

“We still need at least three Republicans to cross over,” said Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill. “We’re working on it every day.” The Webb measure is significant because its supporters and critics say it could reduce the number of troops available to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan...

Image: Sen. Jim Webb.