Coleman wants Iraq to take bigger share of costs

Washington (AP) — Sen. Norm Coleman said that he will sign on to legislation that would restrict future reconstruction dollars for Iraq to loans instead of grants.

He's joining Democratic Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Democratic Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana. Coleman plans to help in the drafting the legislation.

Coleman, a Minnesota Republican, said it's time for Iraq to take more responsibility for the costs of its security and reconstruction.

The bill would also require that Iraq pay for the fuel used by American troops - and take over U.S. payments to predominantly Sunni fighters in the Awakening movement.