The Senate this week overwhelmingly told the Bush administration it wants many more answers about the status of the war in Iraq than the White House had been willing to offer. The demand, from Republican leadership, is an important, if belated, signal that it believes changes are necessary in the nation’s Iraqi policies.

Armed Services Chairman John Warner and Majority Leader Bill Frist introduced legislation, supported 79-19, that directs the White House “to explain to Congress and the American people its strategy for the successful completion of the mission in Iraq.” The legislation would have been unnecessary if these leaders believed a successful completion was imminent or even in sight. Earlier, Congress correctly rejected a measure by Democrats that would have set specific deadlines for withdrawal.

Hard deadlines, even with an allowance for unexpected events, give terrorists dates to look forward to; an explanation of strategy requires a realistic definition of success and a sense of what will be required to get there. The administration may have both of these, but it hasn’t shared them sufficiently with congressional leadership.

Next year, according to the resolution, “should be a period of significant transition to full Iraqi sovereignty…” The administration had hoped that would have been true of 2004 and 2005. The implied question posed by the resolution is, What is going to be different next year so U.S. troops can get out of Iraq?

It’s a fair question, and those who want an answer from the administration aren’t only political opponents of the president but supporters who are, now, taking their responsibility seriously. This is an important moment in the Senate, one backed by both of Maine’s senators.

In the House, however, the situation could be different – it may put the protection of the president’s reputation ahead of providing information to the American public. That would be a mistake. There is a real and difficult question about how U.S. troops can remain in Iraq while serving as a rallying point for their enemies.

The Senate this week asked that a conversation over the fate of these American troops be made, where appropriate, public. A good and necessary move.