McKeon Statement on White House Libya Report

Statement

The Obama Administration today sent to Congress documentation providing their rationale for failing to comply with the War Powers Resolution for military operations in Libya. Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to the White House's Libya policy.

"I thank the White House for providing more information on the ongoing operation in Libya and a rationale for its failure to seek Congressional authorization. However, some of the White House's logic remains fuzzy.

"We are told that "U.S. military operations in Libya…do not require further congressional authorization, because U.S. military operations are distinct from the kind of "hostilities' contemplated by the [War Power] Resolution's 60 day termination provision.' The Administration seems to further suggest that military forces are not engaged in hostilities if the operation is sanctioned by the United Nations or if our forces are not subject to sustained hostile fire. But even after NATO assumed the lead for operations, the United States has fired Tomahawks at regime targets and we continue to use drone strikes, both hostile actions that take lives and increase the risk of U.S. casualties. In fact, at a House Armed Services Committee briefing less than two weeks ago, the Defense Department confirmed to members of the Committee that the United States continues to be engaged in hostilities. Congress intended the term "hostilities' to be broader in scope than "armed conflict" and stated as much in the House report accompanying the War Powers bill. Unfortunately, it sounds as if the White House is playing word games, instead of simply asking Congress for authorization to engage in military action.

"Therefore, I would support Congressional action to ensure the U.S. military's role is limited to combat support and that we no longer engage in hostilities without Congressional authorization.

"I understand that there is much at stake here. The role of Commander-in-Chief is a tough responsibility. But Congress also has a responsibility to ensure that the justification for sending American forces into harm's way is sound and that the military's mission is clear. I remain skeptical that the White House has allowed Congress to perform the duties required of us. I look forward to reviewing the additional information the White House still owes us."

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