Maine’s two U.S. senators on Wednesday said the Iraq Study Group’s report represents a step forward, while the state’s Democratic congressmen said it confirms many Americans’ belief that the current approach is not working.

Sen. Olympia Snowe said the report “does pave the way for us to coalesce around a bipartisan approach in Iraq for the first time.

“It gives impetus to both the Congress and hopefully the president. The time has come to change our course and to support a plan … that ultimately leads to a withdrawal of troops in Iraq,” said Snowe.

One of the most significant points in the report calls for an aggressive, diplomatic approach to Iraq, said Snowe, who supports formation of an international conference to take up the crisis.

Fellow Maine Republican Collins said the Senate Armed Services Committee on which she serves will hold a hearing today to closely examine the findings of the study group.

Collins said the current strategy in Iraq has failed to achieve the goal of a peaceful, stable democracy.

Both of Maine’s Democratic congressmen said the study group came to the same conclusion as many Americans have, that the United States must change its present course in Iraq.

“The major question now is whether President Bush will make the necessary changes in strategy and policy or continue to turn a deaf ear to criticism,” said Rep. Tom Allen, who represents southern Maine’s 1st District. “I will continue to urge the president to listen and adapt, and find a way to end the war as quickly as possible.”

Rep. Michael Michaud said he’s pleased that the president “has signaled a willingness to treat the recommendations seriously and act on them in a timely fashion.

“Our current policies have failed, and we must change course now,” Michaud said.

The study group recommended the U.S. reduce political, military or economic support for Iraq if the government in Baghdad cannot make substantial progress toward providing for its own security.