Posted on 05/20/2011 5:50:18 PM PDT by Libloather
Obama asks Congress for a resolution of support on Libya
By Jamie Klatell - 05/20/11 08:15 PM ET
Sixty days after launching military action against Libya, President Obama on Friday sent a letter to Congressional leaders asking them to pass a resolution supporting the U.S. mission.
"I wish to express my support for the bipartisan resolution drafted by Senators Kerry, McCain, Levin, Feinstein, Graham, and Lieberman, which would confirm that the Congress supports the U.S. mission in Libya and that both branches are united in their commitment to supporting the aspirations of the Libyan people for political reform and self-government," Obama wrote.
The 1973 War Powers Act (WPA) — the statute President Obama invoked when he launched forces in March — requires presidents to secure congressional approval for military operations within 60 days, or withdraw forces within the next 30.
"Congressional action in support of the mission would underline the U.S. commitment to this remarkable international effort," Obama wrote. "Such a Resolution is also important in the context of our constitutional framework, as it would demonstrate a unity of purpose among the political branches on this important national security matter."
In his letter, Obama wrote that the U.S. military is playing a support role now, but its participation is necessary to the success of the NATO-led operation.
"While we are no longer in the lead, U.S. support for the NATO-based coalition remains crucial to assuring the success of international efforts to protect civilians from the actions of the Qaddafi regime," the president wrote.
A spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said the House GOP had not made a decision yet on the president's request.
“We received the President’s letter but have yet to see the draft resolution it mentions. No decisions will be made until such a review takes place and we discuss the matter with our members,” Michael Steel said.
Congress has not authorized the mission — which includes a no-fly zone, bombing raids, a sea blockade and civilian-protection operations.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hear testimony next week from House members on whether Congress needs to provide explicit authorization for continued military operations in Libya.
On Thursday, six Senate Republicans wrote to Obama asking him if he intends to comply with the WPA.
“Friday is the final day of the statutory sixty-day period for you to terminate the use of the United States Armed Forces in Libya under the War Powers Resolution,” reads the letter, spearheaded by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.). “As recently as last week your administration indicated use of the United States Armed Forces will continue indefinitely.”
Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) also endorsed the letter.
If only Nixon could go to China, only DumBO can eviscerate War Powers.
Personally, I would rather see impeachment.
Code Pink don’t care its a Liberal Humanitarian war only Republicans launch the bad wars..
OBAMA ZERO... CREDIBILITY
LLS
http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/obama-killed-the-war-powers-act-no-congress-did/
“Obama’s politics of silence contrast sharply with clear and consistent legal pronouncements of the executive branch. Richard Nixon vetoed the act in 1973, precisely because it imposed restraints on presidential warmaking. But two-thirds of both houses of Congress overrode his veto, and the presidency soon fell into line. Jimmy Carter’s Justice Department expressly affirmed the constitutionality of the 60-day clock in 1980 — and its verdict has not been challenged by executive-branch lawyers”.
LLS
Two points... 1) Obama recognized the validity of the War Powers Act when he was running for president, and 2) the president does not have the right to ignore a law he believes is unconstitutional. It's not his role to decide the constitutionality of a law. That right is the exclusive domain of the courts. He is in violation of a very serious law that is on the books, and he is oath bound to uphold that law. He should be impeached for failing to obey it.
And a final point... Even though no sitting president has accepted the constitutionality of the War Powers Act, to my knowledge they have all obeyed it, except for Obama.
Then it is time for Congress to put up or shut up. It can immediately pull the funding for this war if it wants to.
The War Powers Act is basically a vehicle that allows for Congress to grandstand without actually doing something. I don't like how the GOP has all of a sudden taken interest in applying it.
I dont like the GOP, period.
Natch.
The usual bad actors.
Talk about the gang that couldn't shoot straight!
“Just say,”NO”.”
They shouldn’t give him approval, he says he doesn’t need it.
I would take the request approval by resolution here and use it as prima facia evidence he has broken the law and impeach him.
what resolution..theres no war no invasion and no mission. Did NATO go before the UN? Did we go before the UN..that seems to be the progressive test for everything
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