U.S. HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER'S LIBYA RESOLUTION PENDING!

John Boehner’s Libya Resolution: Mr. President, We Need Information

The State Column | Staff | Friday, June 03, 2011

Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), the Speaker of the House, and a small group of Republicans are growing increasingly frustrated over the U.S.’s continued involvement in Libya and President Obama’s circumvention of the War Powers Act of 1973. On Thursday, Boehner introduced a House resolution that would force President Obama to provide information on the U.S.’s involvement in Libya within 14 days of the resolution being passed.

“The President has failed to explain to the nation how this military action is consistent with U.S. national security goals and policy,” said Boehner in a statement released on Thursday. “This Administration has committed American resources to enforcing a U.N. resolution that is inconsistent with our stated policy goals and national interests when it comes to removing Muammar Qadafi from power,” added Boehner.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) introduced a measure on Wednesday that would put an immediate halt on U.S. involvement in Libya. Boehner said that Kucinich’s measure would have “long-term consequences that are unacceptable, including a precipitous withdrawal from our role supporting our NATO allies in Libya – which could have serious consequences for our broader national security.”

The text of Boehner’s resolution included the statement: “Not later than ___, 2011, [14 days from the passing of the resolution] the President shall transmit to Congress a report describing in detail United States security interests and objectives, and the activities of United States Armed Forces, in Libya since March 19, 2011.”

The War Powers Act of 1973 is meant to limit the ability of the executive branch to commit U.S. Armed Forces to combat such as President Obama did in Libya. In fact, the resolution only gives the president the power to send U.S. troops into combat if certain conditions are met. Some, including Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tex.), question whether these conditions were met in Libya.

Additionally, a specific time restriction is placed on the length of America’s involvement in an armed conflict unless congress approves additional time. The War Powers Act says that “within sixty calendar days after a report is submitted or is required to be submitted pursuant to section 4(a)(1), whichever is earlier, the President shall terminate any use of United States Armed Forces with respect to which such report was submitted (or required to be submitted), unless the Congress (1) has declared war or has enacted a specific authorization for such use of United States Armed Forces.” The 60-day mark has come and gone.

Boehner and his colleagues will vote on this measure today.

Read more: http://www.thestatecolumn.com/capitol/john-boehners-libya-resolution-mr-president-we-need-information/#ixzz1OEDQbs2W