Democrats in Congress almost universally oppose President George W. Bush’s reported plan to escalate troop levels in Iraq, which he plans to relay to the nation in a televised address tonight.

The question is what, if anything they can - or will - do to stand in the way.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) introduced a measure yesterday that would require congressional approval for Bush to increase the number of U.S. troops, which is now 130,000 to 140,000.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) suggested over the weekend that the House might refuse to approve those portions of the Pentagon’s budget that are directly tied to increasing the number of troops in Iraq.

Yet as Bush’s national address to discuss Iraq looms, most Dems appear to be taking a more cautious route, seeking a way to oppose escalation save looking like they’re abandoning the troops - not to mention effectively taking ownership of a war that has been a disaster for Republicans.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) emerged from a meeting pledging to propose legislation later this month to force a vote on a non-binding resolution to put lawmakers on record without assuming the commander-inichief’s authority.

“It would seem to me if there is a bi-partisan resolution saying we don’t support this escalation of war, that the president is going to have to take note of that,” Reid said, noting that at least nine of the 49 Republican senators oppose the troop increase.

Reid said he would look at all avenues to the president’s escalation, contending that there is no single approach.

Pelosi also pledged to hold a vote in the House on the troop increase, though her office did not detail the legislation.

Throughout the day, Democrats spoke out against Bush’s plan, which will reportedly call for an increase of at least 20,000 U.S. troops and a commitment of up to $1 billion to provide jobs for Iraqi citizens.

“This is reminding me more of Vietnam every day,” said Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).

Boxer, who supports Kennedy’s approach, said that Bush isn’t listening to the people in the election, or the Iraq Study Group, or every commander who was on the ground (in Iraq) in November… or come to think of it, anybody.”

Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.), chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said he opposes the troop increase, but doesn’t believe Congress has the power to end the war by cutting the Pentagon’s war budget - a notion disputed by some constitutional scholars.

In fact, other lawmakers including Kennedy suggested that Bush may have already overstepped the authority Congress granted him in October 2002, when the House and the Senate voted to authorize force in Iraq.

Kennedy acknowledged the political difficulty of trying to cut off funds once the troops are overseas, noting in his speech Tuesday at the National Press Club that it is critical that his legislation be passed before Bush adds to the U.S. force now serving in Iraq.

“By that time, the troops will already be there,” Kennedy said of delay. “And then we’ll be asked, ‘are we going to deny the body armor to the young men and women that are over there?’”

Pelosi was non-committal Tuesday when asked on NPR whether House Democrats might refuse to finance a presidential request for money in support of new troops.

“The Congress is not the only audience here,” Pelosi said. “The American people are. And they have spoken out very clearly for a new direction in Iraq. They do not want a war without end, and that is what the president is proposing.”

Polls released in the past few days show overwhelming opposition to the idea of a troop increase. A USA Today poll released Tuesday showed that 3 out of 4 Americans believe the president has no clear plan for the war.

THE SKINNY

When: 9 p.m. tonight
What: President Bush is expected to announce he intends to commit up to 20,000 more U.S. troops to Iraq, a goal that would be accomplished by extending the tours of soldiers already there and sending other troops earlier than scheduled.
Why: He believes an increase in troops in Iraq, which now total between 130,000-140,000, along with more financial aid to the fledgling democracy, will help quell violence provide stability for the Iraqi government.
What next: Democrats who oppose the troop increase are considering ways to force a vote in Congress on the president’s proposal. Hearings on the plan are scheduled to begin Thursday in the House and Senate.