Posted on 06/14/2011 2:03:28 PM PDT by Red Badger
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, sent President Obama a letter Tuesday afternoon warning him that the operation in Libya will be violating the War Powers Resolution by this Sunday, which marks the 90th day of U.S. military involvement in the country.
Boehner wants "a clear explanation of the legal standing under the War Powers Resolution," that Obama is using to justify continuing the operations behind Sunday.
The letter is below.
June 14, 2011
Dear Mr. President:
Five days from now, our country will reach the 90-day mark from the notification to Congress regarding the commencement of the military operation in Libya, which began on March 18, 2011. On June 3, 2011, the House passed a resolution which, among other provisions, made clear that the Administration has not asked for, nor received, Congressional authorization of the mission in Libya. Therefore, it would appear that in five days, the Administration will be in violation of the War Powers Resolution unless it asks for and receives authorization from Congress or withdraws all U.S. troops and resources from the mission.
Since the mission began, the Administration has provided tactical operational briefings to the House of Representatives, but the White House has systematically avoided requesting a formal authorization for its action. It has simultaneously sought, however, to portray that its actions are consistent with the War Powers Resolution. The combination of these actions has left many Members of Congress, as well as the American people, frustrated by the lack of clarity over the Administration’s strategic policies, by a refusal to acknowledge and respect the role of the Congress, and by a refusal to comply with the basic tenets of the War Powers Resolution.
You took an oath before the American people on January 20, 2009 in which you swore to “faithfully execute the Office of President” and to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” The Constitution requires the President to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,” and one of those laws is the War Powers Resolution, which requires an approving action by Congress or withdrawal within 90 days from the notification of a military operation. Given the mission you have ordered to the U.S. Armed Forces with respect to Libya and the text of the War Powers Resolution, the House is left to conclude that you have made one of two determinations: either you have concluded the War Powers Resolution does not apply to the mission in Libya, or you have determined the War Powers Resolution is contrary to the Constitution. The House, and the American people whom we represent, deserve to know the determination you have made.
Therefore, on behalf of the institution and the American people, I must ask you the following questions: Have you or your Administration conducted the legal analysis to justify your position as to whether your Administration views itself to be in compliance with the War Powers Resolution so that it may continue current operations, absent formal Congressional support or authorization, once the 90-day mark is reached? Assuming you conducted that analysis, was it with the consensus view of all stakeholders of the relevant Departments in the Executive branch? In addition, has there been an introduction of a new set of facts or circumstances which would have changed the legal analysis the Office of Legal Counsel released on April 1, 2011? Given the gravity of the constitutional and statutory questions involved, I request your answer by Friday, June 17, 2011.
From the beginning, the House of Representatives has sought to balance two equal imperatives regarding Libya which have been in direct contradiction: the House of Representatives takes seriously America’s leadership role in the world; our country’s interests in the region; and the commitments to and from its steadfast allies. At the same time, strong concern and opposition exists to the use of military force when the military mission, by design, cannot secure a U.S. strategic policy objective. The ongoing, deeply divisive debate originated with a lack of genuine consultation prior to commencement of operations and has been further exacerbated by the lack of visibility and leadership from you and your Administration.
I respect your authority as Commander-in-Chief, though I remain deeply concerned the Congress has not been provided answers from the Executive branch to fundamental questions regarding the Libya mission necessary for us to fulfill our equally important Constitutional responsibilities. I believe in the moral leadership our country can and should exhibit, especially during such a transformational time in the Middle East. I sincerely hope the Administration will faithfully comply with the War Powers Resolution and the requests made by the House of Representatives, and that you will use your unique authority as our President to engage the American people regarding our mission in Libya.
Respectfully, John A. Boehner
Boehner will do nothing. He is part of the problem, not part of the solution. He is acting like Obama’s caddy.
When people say that Pubs and Dems are 'really' all the same people, all on the same side,...they point to Boehner and McCain
Will Obama sign it? Will it even get a vote in the Senate? Otherwise it's just theater.
I'm always amazed that so many conservatives are willing to participate in circular firing squads to purge the ranks of everyone who isn't sufficiently pure.
Were you happy with the deal Boehner got on the budget that cut less than 1 billion from this year's budget? Was that sufficiently conservative for you?
I guess Boehner got all of our phone calls and letters.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2725004/posts
Some have said Obama has 60 days some say 90 days which is it anybody know?
No it doesn't. King Obama will just use his stash.
Maybe they can discuss it when they play golf. Boehner is as bad as Obama.
There has never been a claim that Libya attacked the U.S. or it's armed forces. There is not now nor was there ever a 90 day period to get approval from Congress. It was illegal from the get go and still is.
“Were you happy with the deal Boehner got on the budget that cut less than 1 billion from this year’s budget? Was that sufficiently conservative for you?”
Bingo! Boehner is not up to the task.
"P.S. Feel free to ignore this letter completely, I am a spineless pussy and the media will allow you to do whatever you want.
Your Bitch, John Boner""
Were there tear stains on the letter?
The most important issue in the U.S. is the Debt.
Bonehead is ignoring the big elephant in the room.
The out of control spending. Maybe Bonehead is trying to look tough
before he caves on the debt ceiling. He’s caved before and he will cave again.
Syria? Are we doing something in Syria as well?
Too bad the MSM will ALWAYS give 0bama as much slack as he needs on stories like this. If they were truly journalists, the media would be asking the same questions and trying to track down the answers. What about Code Pink and some of those groups? Seems like they might have some demonstrations about the not-wars. ?
I agree. I do wish Boehner would stop bursting into tears, but I also wish that Freepers would start reading the full article and also following up on the information before they start the usual destructive sarcasm.
I think Congress is moving ahead with this. It’s not something that can be done by one person with one word, as many Freepers seem to believe.
B-b-b-but wasn't a UN resolution all he needed?
The O-bot is already in violation of the WPR, in that all he could cite is "protection of the Libyan people," which is not among the causes allowed for precipitation of military action against another nation. Hence, Boehner is blowing smoke, and knows it. One must wonder therefore if he is complicit.
We’ll wait and see. I’d say Boehner has really given himself an ultimatum with this letter. It’s unlikely Obama will be forthcoming about anything, so the question becomes what will Boehner do about it? A warning letter without consequences strengthens Obama’s hand and weakens his opposition.
If he ignores this its Grounds For Impeachment. Yes he won't be convicted in the Senate right now. But it'd put him through hell while trying to run a campaign.
So Barry, the ball is in your court. Whatcha gonna do? Ignore the law and constitution (again). I wouldn't push your luck too far as even 'moderates' are getting fed up and ticked with your 'imperial attitude'.
And keep in mind you could lose the senate, it's not that far away. Having a GOP majority wouldn't be good for your Impeachment Trial now would it.
Stop writing letters and just do it, Boner!
Worth repeating. very good
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