Even though the military actions we’re taking in Libya have been illegal since May 21, members of the House of Representatives are only just now formally expressing their distaste with President Barack Obama’s actions.
In March, Obama ordered troops to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya, after its leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi started massacring peaceful protesters, turning a demonstration against his harsh dictatorship into an all-out civil war. Since then, we’ve technically turned control of the situation over to NATO, but we’re still providing military intelligence, logistical support and armed predator drones.
Today, the House of Representatives voted 268 to 145 on a resolution that harshly criticizes Obama for acting without the approval of Congress. It gives the White House two weeks to provide detailed information about the cost and objectives of our military actions in Libya. The measure is nonbinding, and it beat out a stronger one that would have ordered troop withdrawals immediately. What’s interesting is the bi-partisan support that the resolution got, as normally ideologically-opposed Democrats and Republicans joined to rebuke the president. Anti-war liberals were upset at entering a third conflict that, so far, has no clear goals or exit date outlined, and conservatives want to reign in executive power and government spending.
The War Powers Act, passed in 1973, says that the President has to get congressional approval within 60 days of sending troops to war. That deadline passed on May 21, which means that military actions must be stopped within 30 days (by June 21). Congress still has the chance to approve the action before troops are withdrawn, but given the House’s actions, I doubt that’s going to happen.
The idea that the president has to obey the rule of law is one of the founding principles of our nation. I don’t know what’s going to happen come June 21, but if we continue to fight in Libya, it’s going to mean the end of that principle. It will be a fundamental shift of power over to the executive branch. While expressing distaste is an important first step, a nonbinding resolution is not going to be enough. Congress needs to act more strongly and hold the president accountable. If this war remains unauthorized, then by June, our troops should be out of the country. Plain and simple.
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