The Colorado Senate approved an anti-Iraq War resolution Thursday after nearly two hours of debate, in which Republicans denounced the measure as a slap in the face to U.S. troops.

The resolution, which now goes to the House, passed on a straight party-line vote, with 20 Democrats in favor and 14 Republicans opposed.

It urges Congress to oppose the escalation of the Iraq War and President Bush's plan to send 21,000 more troops into the war zone.

Democrats argued that the legislature has an obligation to debate Bush's war policy at a time the country clearly is divided over the issue. They also said Colorado is receiving fewer federal dollars because the war has cost the nation an estimated $500 billion.

"The war in Iraq has dragged on for five years," said Sen. Ron Tupa, D-Boulder, co-sponsor of the measure. "Certainly, when we have Colorado lives on the line, it's appropriate for us to weigh in on the issue."

The resolution states it is not in the U.S. national interest to deepen its military involvement in Iraq.

Republicans were steadfast in their disdain for the resolution.

Littleton Republican Sen. Mike Kopp, an Army veteran who served in the first Gulf War, said he has received letters from soldiers in Iraq who complain that the resolution diminishes their sacrifices.

"We can chose the politics of abandonment or loyalty to our troops," he said.