WASHINGTON (AP) - America's war commander in Iraq told Congress yesterday he is unlikely to endorse any fresh buildup of troops even if security in the country deteriorates, signaling that the limits of the U.S. military have been reached for now.

Gen. David Petraeus, closely questioned by lawmakers for a second day, described Iraq as a frail state still struggling to provide its own security.

That volatile situation figured in his recommendation to President Bush that a gradual pullout of U.S. troops be halted this summer - a recommendation Bush is expected to embrace in a speech today.