BAGHDAD - Iraqi lawmakers adjourned for the month Wednesday after failing to agree on a provincial election law, casting doubt on whether U.S.-backed balloting can be held in the country's 18 provinces this year. The development is a setback to U.S. hopes for reconciliation among rival communities despite the decline in violence. It comes after days of intense negotiations and heavy pressure from U.S. and U.N. officials.
Parliamentary speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani said the lawmakers will resume sessions on Sept. 9 but that he also has ordered a committee to continue negotiations over the provincial elections law.
The legislature also adopted a supplementary budget of $21 billion.