Bush: Troop level decisions to be made by military commanders

PARMA, Ohio (AP) — President Bush continues to say that he won't let Congress make the decisions about troop levels in Iraq.

During a visit today to Parma, Ohio, the president said he understands that this "is a difficult war," but added that troop levels in Iraq "will be decided by our commanders on the ground."

The president's remarks come as Congress is about to receive a report that cites a lack of progress by the Iraqi government.

Michigan Senator Carl Levin says it is obvious the Iraqi government has made no progress and the only way to propel it is to begin pulling out US troops.

Levin has proposed legislation with Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed that would order President Bush to begin pulling out troops in 120 days and end combat by the end of next April.