WASHINGTON, Feb 4: The bruising political battle over President George W. Bush's decision to send 21,500 extra troops to Iraq heads to the Senate floor on Monday, for debate on a resolution rebuking the unpopular plan.

US lawmakers are divided over the non-binding resolution to the president's new Iraq war strategy. Democrats have been unified in opposing the plan, although many would like an even tougher censure motion.

Meanwhile, stalwart Republicans have been urging a handful of their disaffected colleagues not to defect to the opposition side on the vote, but to give the president's plan a chance to work.

“This is our last best chance,” Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told ABC Television's “This Week” programme vowing to fight the resolution. “A non-binding resolution is a political exercise that does nothing but harm to the war effort, in my opinion, and it's a small moment for the Senate,” he said.

Bush's plan has been met with skepticism even among his fellow Republicans since it was unveiled January 10.—AFP