Our president unilaterally commited our military to war with Libya; the "war powers act" allows him to do so without congressional approval for up to 60 days. Beyond this period, congressional approval is required. Today marks the 60th day, and requires congressional approval for any further action(s) in Libya...EVERYONE'S SILENT! Will he continue to rule by fiat, or will he get proper Constitutional approvals?
Lawmakers largely silent on war powers authority in Libya
By Mike Lillis and John T. Bennett - 05/20/11 05:58 AM ET
U.S. operations in Libya hit the 60-day mark Friday, but Congress has grown largely silent on the administration’s unilateral intervention into the war-torn North African nation.
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.
Congress did not authorize the mission — which includes a no-fly zone, bombing raids, a sea blockade and civilian-protection operations — but the deadline has stirred little sense of urgency on Capitol Hill.
Apparently none of the Liberals on here want to comment. I remember big arguments over whether or not Obama had the Constitutional Authority to put us into Libya and the claims that the War Powers Act came him that power. Now the 60 days are up and again he is flouting the Constitution. Come on LJ and Archer, defend it.
Since your elected representatives don't seem to be fainting over the situation, including the Republican delegation, who it seems, have done nothing more than a write a letter to the President asking him if he intends to continue the operations in Libya, why do you expect anyone here to pee their pants over it?
Congress is in recess right now, my guess is it will be addressed soon. If it turns out the President tries to continue the mission despite opposition from Congress, get back to us on this.
Nmysys wrote: Apparently none of the Liberals on here want to comment. I remember big arguments over whether or not Obama had the Constitutional Authority to put us into Libya and the claims that the War Powers Act came him that power. Now the 60 days are up and again he is flouting the Constitution. Come on LJ and Archer, defend it.
I guess it all comes down to who is "shredding the constitution".
My guess is it will be called N/A because NATO is the lead combatant.
I think that troops need to be pulled out immediately and all support for this mission by the United States should be suspended. Obama was wrong to get us into this.
You found it real convenient to NOT mention one of your own, typical Liberal spin. Or doesn't Kucinich count?
The inaction has raised concern among lawmakers from both parties. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, told Fox News that a bipartisan House coalition is prepared to move a resolution Monday that would either get Congress to sign off on the intervention or cut off the operation.
Without stating whether or how they might challenge the U.S. military involvement, several other lawmakers called for an explanation from the administration, and fast.
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon, R-Calif., fired off a letter to Obama calling for the president to justify the U.S. military's presence in the country and underscoring the 60-day deadline.
