US President George W Bush met with congressional lawmakers on Wednesday to discuss his strategy for Iraq as the top US military commander and diplomat in the country were wrapping up two days of hearings. ( dpa )
General David Petraeus and ambassador Ryan Crocker appeared before Senate and House panels about the security and political situation in Iraq.
Bush, who has said he will follow Petraeus' advice, was expected to endorse the general's recommendation for a 45-day evaluation pause once last year's troop buildup ends in July.
Bush was to speak Thursday at 11:30 am (1530 GMT) to outline his strategy for Iraq.
Senator Carl Levin, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized Petraeus during hearings on Tuesday for offering a plan with an "open-ended" American commitment to Iraq.