WASHINGTON – With recommendations from his top military advisers in hand, President Bush is weighing when to resume a U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq and at what pace, the White House said Thursday.

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates have not yet disclosed specifics of their recommendation. White House press secretary Dana Perino said it's premature to say when the president would decide about troop levels.

There currently are 15 combat brigades in Iraq and a total of 146,000 troops, including tens of thousands that perform support rather than direct combat functions. Troop levels are expected to be part of testimony Gates and Mullen will give next Wednesday before the House Armed Services Committee.

The question facing Bush, who is currently at the Camp David presidential retreat, is whether the military and political situation in Iraq has brightened enough in recent months to merit more troop cuts this fall.

At the recommendation of Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, Bush halted the drawdown when the last of five Army brigades, sent in 2007 as reinforcements, pulled out in mid-July. Petraeus wanted time to analyze the impact of losing those five brigades.

Estimates of how deeply Petraeus would suggest cutting this autumn have generally ranged from one to two combat brigades, or roughly 3,500 to 7,000 troops. But some recent developments might argue for smaller reductions. That includes the unanticipated pullout of Georgian troops following the invasion of their country by Russia and a delay in holding Iraqi provincial elections.

“Secretary Gates and Chairman Mullen have briefed the president,” Perino said. “The president is now considering his options and I would expect that as he works through that – as soon as he's finished with it – will be able to provide you with more information.”