In Washington, symbolism can only go so far. Fixing the war in Iraq requires concrete action.

The Senate came one step closer yesterday when it defeated an amendment attempting to remove the troop withdrawal deadline. In a 50-to-48 vote, senators sustained the March 31, 2008 pullout date.

But the rejoicing will be short-lived. President Bush will likely veto the decision when it reaches his desk, and Congress won’t have the necessary two-thirds majority to override his authority.

It is comforting to see a strong effort from the Democratic-controlled Congress, even if it will be fruitless. And the emotion attached to the war debate is great for the future of politics. But on Tuesday, when senators had their first real opportunity to lay down the law, too many legislators simply lay down.

And now, it seems the approximately 150,000 troops will be stuck in Iraq until enough leaders think the goal has been met. It’s a tired argument, but unfortunately still has merit: What exactly is the goal in Iraq? The mission’s progress seems to be stagnant.

War supporters will continue to invent what a victorious invasion will look like. But while the public waits, more money is being pumped into the military. And 3,241 Americans have died in the conflict. More will inevitably suffer the same fate as long as we are fighting.

More than three-quarters of Americans don’t believe Bush has a clear plan for the war in Iraq, according to a Jan. 4 CBS news poll. And this clearly includes Republicans. Many Republican politicians are also ideologically opposed to continued U.S. involvement. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) said he wishes the United States was not involved in Iraq, but since it is, the job must be completed, according to a March 27 New York Times article. Shelby’s words suggest he knows supporting the war is wrong, but he is too careful to admit Congress erred in invading the country.

Bush is also too stubborn to admit it and won’t change his policies before his term concludes. It is up to Congress to take action.

But if legislators are going to vote rigidly along party lines — as Tuesday’s vote suggests — nothing will get accomplished.

Unfortunately, it seems the world must wait until the 2008 election before Congress’s actions to end the war will mean anything.