WASHINGTON -- Accusing Democrats of wanting to "legislate defeat," President George W. Bush began the week by turning up the rhetorical heat on Congressional Democrats to provide the war funding package he requested.

Video: Bush Chides Democrats

"I understand Republicans and Democrats in Washington have differences over the best course in Iraq," Bush said from the White House. "That's healthy. That's normal, and we should debate those differences. But our troops should not be caught in the middle."

Democrats, citing anti-war sentiment that propelled their ascent to power in Congress last November, have passed the emergency spending request and attached a troop-withdrawal deadline. They insist they are making the White House accountable to the voters.

Bush has repeatedly said he will veto a bill that mandates troop withdrawal deadlines, saying it meddles with military strategy. He has also been critical of non war-related spending measure attached to the legislation.

"I am willing to discuss any way forward that does not hamstring our troops, set an artificial timetable for withdrawal, and spend billions on projects not related to the war," Bush said. "The American people expect their leaders in Washington to find common ground; but they also expect the Congress and the White House to work together to make sure our troops get funded quickly. We should not legislate defeat in this vital war."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, with retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John H. Johns and retired Army Lt. Gen. Robert G. Gard at his side, fired back with criticism of his own.

"The American people, a bipartisan majority of Congress and senior military leaders, including these two distinguished officers standing next to me, have all called for a change of course in Iraq. But President Bush and Vice President Cheney refuse to listen. They are isolated in their thinking and are failing our troops and our country," Reid said.

"Today, in the fifth year of this civil war, U.S. forces are suffering losses at a rate not seen since the bloody battle of Fallujah over two years ago and there is no end in sight. Yet the President and the Vice President continue to desperately cling to their failed escalation strategy and attack those who disagree with them," the Nevada Democrat said.

Reid indicated he would be just as stubborn during Wednesday's meeting with the president.

"The offer is that the president sign the bill," he said.