Bush and Congress 'close to consensus'

PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH said he is close to a deal with Congress to “speak with one voice” against Saddam Hussein.

But Democratic leaders, still bristling at White House criticism, said there's no consensus on an anti-Iraq resolution.

"Democrats and Republicans refuse to live in a future of fear," Bush said in the White House Rose Garden, flanked by Democratic and Republican congressmen who support his plans to oust Saddam with military force if necessary. A senior administration official said the Pentagon is preparing to train at least 1,000 Iraqi opponents of Saddam to assist US troops in the event of an assault.