WASHINGTON, DC Tonight, after Republicans voted to prevent the Senate from debating a resolution opposing President Bush's plan to send 21,500 additional combat troops to Iraq, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement: I am disappointed that Republicans chose to filibuster debate over the war in Iraq. This is the most important issue facing Congress today. Like the majority of Americans, I strongly oppose the presidents proposal to increase our troop presence in Iraq. We should have an opportunity and I believe we have an obligation to the American people and our troops in the field -- to vote up or down on the presidents plan.