The House of Representatives on Tuesday began debating a resolution criticizing U.S. President George W. Bush's plan to send more than 20,000 additional troops to Iraq, CNN reported.

The simple, two-sentence resolution, unveiled by Democrats Monday, says "Congress disapproves of Bush's decision to send additional forces to Iraq, which has been wracked by increased sectarian and insurgent attacks."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, will address the House on the issue by noon.

"The president's plan is based on a judgment that the way out of Iraq lies in sending more troops in," said Pelosi in her pre-released remarks.

"History has proven just the opposite. Four previous troop escalations have resulted primarily in escalating levels of violence," she said.

House Democratic leaders see the non-binding resolution as a symbolic first step toward ending the war.

The House is expected to vote on the resolution, which is certain to pass the lower chamber, given the Democratic majority.

Last week, a similar effort by the Senate Democrats was blocked in a procedural move by Republicans.

After that, the House Democrats who operate with a larger majority, decided to press ahead with their own proposal.

Editor: Donald