The Senate expects to take a “placeholder” war funding bill to conference tomorrow even as leaders continue searching for agreement on war funding language.

Thursday’s vote will be on a measure to simply express Congress’ support for the troops, but it will get the bill to the critical conference stage where all parties can work on Iraq war language all sides can support. President Bush vetoed the initial war supplemental (HR 1591) and has threatened to veto the House Democrat’s latest version. Senate leaders have decided it would be best to work in conference, together with House leaders and the White House, on the war funding bill rather than negotiate on their own with the White House.

Democratic leaders yesterday said they aim to get a bill to Bush by the end of next week — but would work through the Memorial Day recess if necessary. Both parties are discussing the inclusion of “benchmarks” for the Iraqi government, but Democrats remain committed to “changing course in Iraq.” Bush rejects any restrictions on his “surge” strategy or any dictation of war policy, so it’s unclear where the two sides will be able to find an agreement that can be signed into law. But time is becoming more of a factor, as White House spokesman Tony Snow yesterday said the Pentagon has already had to make five funding transfers totaling $4.9 billion.

Meanwhile, the Senate today will vote on four Iraq war policy amendments. The amendments, offered to an unrelated water resources authorization bill, will give Democrats and Republicans a chance to vote on various policy options — including a Democratic mandate for a troop pullout.