Libya War Powers Resolution

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Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to both H. Res. 292 and H. Con. Res. 51 which address our ongoing allied efforts in Libya. While I strongly support Congress's continued oversight and debate of the mission in Libya and its effect on our national security, I do not believe that either of the resolutions before us represent the most appropriate approach to this issue.

I recently voted for an amendment to the FY2012 Defense Authorization Act to prohibit the use of American ground troops in Libya as the operation progresses, and I continue to believe this is the right path for America's involvement. However, it is not in the best interest of our national security today, or in the long term, to remove all forces from the effort, including U.S. Air and Naval assets, as H. Con. Res. 51 demands. The ongoing NATO operation is intended to preserve the lives of the Libyan people. By completely removing ourselves from this effort, we weaken our global standing on human rights, risk damage to our relationship with NATO allies, and threaten our national security by putting the stability of the region in jeopardy.

Similarly, while I support the ongoing discussion of our involvement in Libya and feel that the Administration's initial coordination and consultation with Congress could have been improved upon, I find H. Res. 292 unduly critical of the Administration's efforts. Furthermore, this resolution would have no actual impact on Congressional oversight of the President's authority or conduct of operations. Rather, it seems designed to serve a political purpose that does nothing to advance the genuine, substantive discussion we should be having about this issue.

Congress should continue to debate U.S. involvement in the Libyan effort, however we must do so smartly and in a manner that does undermine our military efforts or global standing. I urge my colleagues to vote against both of these measures.

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