The U.S. House of Representatives voted 296-133 on Thursday in favor of a resolution that will give President Bush the authority to send American troops with the United Nations Security Council to aid weapons inspectors in Iraq.

The Senate was to vote on the resolution late Thursday night. After Senate approval, it will be sent to Bush.

“I’m sure [Bush] will make time to sign it as fast as he can because he really wanted this [resolution],” said Robert Lowry, associate professor of political science.

The resolution will allow Bush to either work with the United Nations, or alone if necessary, to disarm Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein of his weapons of mass destruction.

The resolution is not the end or the beginning, but rather a stepping stone in the road to clearing Iraq as a possible threat to the United States, said Steffen Schmidt, university professor of political science.

After the resolution is passed, Bush will have congressional support even though he might not use the authority granted to him, Schmidt said.

He will then attempt to influence the U.N. Security Council for a new resolution. If Bush can’t get support from the United Nations, he will most likely pursue Iraq on his own, Lowry said.

Schmidt said that since the terrorist attack on the French oil tanker in Yemen, the French are realizing the United States is not the only country terrorists are targeting, which will encourage the French to join U.S. efforts in Iraq.

“I believe Saddam Hussein is toast,” Schmidt said. “It will take the United States to lead the effort and other nations to support [the actions of the United States].”

Schmidt said the resolution is an issue that has divided the Democratic Party.

Eighty-one House Democrats voted for the resolution, compared to 126 who voted against.

“[Democrats] feel nervous and upset about sending American forces to Iraq for a primitive strike,” Schmidt said. “Democrats aren’t sure they want to give Bush this power at this point.”

Rep. James Leach, R-Iowa, was one of the six House Republicans to vote against the resolution.

“There may be a case for regime change, but not for war against Iraq and its people,” said Leach in an official statement released Wednesday.

Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, said in a statement, “While the resolution approved by the House authorizes military action, I will continue to hold out hope that it will be used only as a last resort.”

-The Associated Press contributed to this story.