The US-Iraq security accord establishes the basis for a continued US troop presence in Iraq. It sets a June 30, 2009 deadline for US combat troops to withdraw from Iraqi cities and towns, provided Iraqi forces have assumed full security responsibilities.

However, many lawmakers have been angry with what they view as a secretive process.

"There has been no meaningful consultation with Congress during the negotiations of this agreement and the American people have been completely left out," Democratic Representative William Delahunt voiced his frustration.

Oona Hathaway, Professor Law at the University of California at Berkeley calls the lack of consultation with Congress unprecedented, asserting that aspects of the accord exceed the independent constitutional powers of the president.

In Baghdad on Wednesday, the accord ran into difficulties, when its second reading in the Iraqi legislature was disrupted amid arguments between supporters and opponents.