Congressman Murphy Responds to President's Address on US Involvement in Libya

Statement

Following the President's address on the US involvement in Libya, Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) released the following statement:
"President Obama's address to the nation tonight did not answer fundamental questions about US involvement in Libya. We continued to hear contradictions about what exactly the US role is in Libya, with no mention of how and when US participation will end.

"We heard the US will not engage in regime change, yet the President has committed America to a seat at the table with Libyan opposition forces to discuss, by his own words, supporting a transition to the future in Libya. He further elaborated on US involvement in building a new government, however, given reports that rebel forces include Al Qaeda, how can we be certain we will not be replacing a dictator with another bloody and brutal regime? This is made all the more worrisome for the American people by the fact that we have no idea who the leaders will be, who they represent, and what sort of government they will back.

"The Administration has committed American lives and resources in a region marked by turmoil and upheaval. Every nearby nation and its neighbors are facing massive disruption, fueled by Iran, proxy armies of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, that at any moment could erupt into large scale war. The seriousness of this situation cannot be overstated. We cannot afford to be naive. A doctrine of wishful thinking does not and should not constitute a coherent defense strategy or meaningful foreign affairs policy.

"America's decision-making must be well-informed and the will of the American people, as exercised through their elected Members of Congress, must be engaged."

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