U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-2nd, has joined House Democrats in favor of a nonbinding resolution that expresses support for U.S. service personnel but opposes the president's decision to send more than 20,000 additional troops to Iraq.

In a statement released Wednesday prior to a scheduled 8 p.m. delivery on the House floor, Donnelly said U.S. troops deserve a clear mission in Iraq, with all the equipment and armor needed to keep them safe.

"What our brave troops do not deserve is Washington's bungling," Donnelly said.

"We had bad intelligence at the start, a flawed occupation plan that failed to send enough troops despite the best advice of the Army's Chief of Staff at the time, and Washington failed to properly plan for critical logistics such as electricity and infrastructure," Donnelly said.

"These mistakes have put our troops in much greater danger."

In a telephone interview, Donnelly said it is his hope that the Iraqis will come together as quickly as possible, end religious violence and realize that it is in their best interests to work together for their future.

Donnelly recalled that he had sent a letter to the White House a month ago asking the president to explain how the surge in troops would increase the chances for success in Iraq.

Thus far, the Granger Democrat said, he has not received an answer.

Every House member has been given the chance to speak for five minutes on the issue. The debate started Tuesday and is scheduled to end prior to a vote Friday, Donnelly said.

The AP reported President Bush as saying that while lawmakers have every right to express their opinion, the resolution does not have the force of law.