BERKELEY, Calif. -- Angered by the reaction nationwide, two Berkeley City Council members have proposed that the city rescind its controversial declaration that says the U.S. Marines' recruiting center is not welcome.

Council members Betty Olds and Lauri Capitelli have proposed backing off the anti-Marines declaration and publicly declaring that Berkeley opposes the war in Iraq but supports the troops.

"I think we shouldn't be seen across the country as hating the Marines," Olds, who voted against last week's proposals, told the San Francisco Chronicle. "If you make a mistake, like we did, you should admit it and correct it and move on."

The controversy erupted last week after the City Council passed an item condemning the Marines' downtown recruiting center. The declaration angered right-wing groups and prompted a Republican senator to try to cut off federal funding for Berkeley.

Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., has proposed that the federal government cut off funds for Berkeley, including lunch programs, ferry service and UC Berkeley. Olds said she had heard from hundreds of people angered by the vote. "People are so mad about this. They have relatives in the service, and now they think they're not welcome in Berkeley," she told the paper. "My twin brother was a Marine in World War II. He'd be turning in his grave if he saw this."

But Councilwoman Dona Spring said the council should not be bullied by hate mail and threats. "I still oppose the Marines recruiting in Berkeley because it's one way of protesting this wasteful war," she told the paper. "Our military policy is a shambles

The City Council will vote on the new proposals next week.