This vote laid out the rules for debate for a nonbinding measure criticizing President Bush's intention to increase the number of U.S. troops in Iraq by more than 20,000. This resolution, often referred to as a "rules package," outlined the rules for consideration for how the resolution to send more troops to Iraq would be taken up on the House floor. It dictated how much time each side will be given for debate, and more importantly, what amendments or alternatives would be considered in order. House Republicans wanted to offer an alternative to the Democrats' resolution in the form of a binding measure that would have established benchmarks for progess in improving the security situation in Iraq to be overseen by a bipartisan panel. The Democratic leadership said that since the majority of Americans oppose sending additional troops to Iraq, the House should reflect that clarity by simply offering one resolution opposing it. The question, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said, is a simple one: "Do you support the escalation of troops in Iraq?" The resolution put forth by the Democrats expresses support for the troops currently serving in Iraq as well as those who have previously served there while also disapproving of Bush's plan to increase troop levels. The House Republican leadership argued that the language would have a demoralizing effect on the troops in combat while also emboldening the country's enemies. Republicans also criticized the resolution as a likely first attempt to cut off funding for military personnel in the field, an accusation that Hoyer said was flatly untrue. In the end, four Republicans joined all but one Democrat in voting for the rules package, and the measure passed 232-192. Thus a resolution criticizing Bush's plan to increase troop levels in Iraq by more than 20,000 moved forward towards a final up-or-down vote.