Senator Blunt Calls For Congressional Authorization, Clear Mission For U.S. Military Forces In Libya

Press Release

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) cosponsored a joint resolution introduced today by U.S. Senators John McCain (Ariz.) and John Kerry (Mass.) to authorize the limited use of U.S. Armed Forces in support of the NATO mission in Libya.

"President Obama is not exempt from the War Powers Act, and our military's continued engagement in Libya clearly requires congressional authorization," said Blunt. "While I disagree with President Obama's disregard for congressional authorization, we must ensure our military has the ability to succeed in Libya."

"After months of engagement, President Obama has failed to clearly outline America's mission in Libya, which has created confusion for both our armed forces and our nation's allies," Blunt continued. "Having committed to this action, the President has a responsibility to clearly outline our mission in Libya, and I believe that mission must include the removal of Muammar Qadaffi and his regime from power and America's full support for the freedom-seeking Libyan people."

The resolution would expire one year after the date of enactment. It was also co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Carl Levin (Mich.), Jon Kyl (Ariz.), Dick Durbin (Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Joe Lieberman (Conn.), Ben Cardin (Md.), and Mark Kirk (Ill.).

Blunt is a member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations; and the U.S. Senate National Security Working Group.

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