US House panel backs Bush on detainees

WASHINGTON - In an abrupt reversal, a US House of Representatives committee has narrowly voted to endorse President George W Bush's plan for tough interrogations and trials of foreign terrorism suspects after Republicans rounded up enough members.

About an hour earlier, the House Judiciary Committee rejected Bush's plan, with three Republicans joining committee Democrats. Embarrassed Republicans then summoned absent members, called for another vote, and approved it 20-19.

Bush's bill, which critics said would result in inhumane interrogations and unfair trials, has met even stiffer resistance in the Senate, and the White House is trying to work out a compromise.

- REUTERS