Congressman Boehner Unveils Resolution on
Libya
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) unveiled a
House resolution today on Libya that (1) establishes that the president
has not asked for congressional authorization, and that the Congress
has not granted it; (2) reasserts Congress’ constitutional role on
funding; (3) requires the president to provide within 14 days
information on the mission that should have been provided from the
start; and (4) reaffirms the vote we took last week that says there
should be no troops on the ground. Boehner released the following
statement:
“The
American people and members on both sides of the aisle are concerned
about questions that have gone unanswered regarding our mission in
Libya. The President has failed to explain to the nation how this
military action is consistent with U.S. national security goals and
policy. In fact, this Administration has committed American
resources to enforcing a U.N. resolution that is inconsistent with our
stated policy goals and national interests when it comes to removing
Muammar Qadafi from power. The resolution we will vote on
tomorrow will enable members to clearly express the will of our
constituents -- in a responsible way that reflects our commitments to
our allies and our troops.
“The
Kucinich measure would have long-term consequences that are
unacceptable, including a precipitous withdrawal from our role
supporting our NATO allies in Libya – which could have serious
consequences for our broader national security. It would
undermine our troops in harm’s way and undercut our allies who have
stood by us in Afghanistan and other areas abroad. Regardless of
how we got here, we cannot suddenly turn our backs on our troops and
our NATO partners who have stuck by us for the last 10 years.”
NOTE: The text of the resolution follows:
RESOLUTION
Declaring that the President shall not deploy, establish, or maintain
the presence of units and members of the United States Armed Forces on
the ground in Libya, and for other purposes.
Resolved
SECTION 1. STATEMENTS OF POLICY.
The House of Representatives makes the following statements of policy:
(1) The United States Armed Forces shall be used exclusively to defend
and advance the national security interests of the United States.
(2) The President has failed to provide Congress with a compelling
rationale based upon United States national security interests for
current United States military activities regarding Libya.
(3) The President shall not deploy, establish, or maintain the presence
of units and members of the United States Armed Forces on the ground in
Libya unless the purpose of the presence is to rescue a member of the
Armed Forces in imminent danger.
SEC. 2. TRANSMITTAL OF EXECUTIVE BRANCH INFORMATION RELATING TO
OPERATION ODYSSEY DAWN AND OPERATION UNIFIED PROTECTOR.
The House of Representatives directs the Secretary of State, the
Secretary of Defense, and the Attorney General, respectively, to
transmit to the House of Representatives, not later than 14 days after
the date of the adoption of this resolution, copies of any official
document, record, memo, correspondence, or other communication in the
possession of each officer that was created on or after February 15,
2011, and refers or relates to—
(1) consultation or communication with Congress regarding the
employment or deployment of the United States Armed Forces for
Operation Odyssey Dawn or NATO Operation Unified Protector; or
(2) the War Powers Resolution and Operation Odyssey Dawn or Operation
Unified Protector.
SEC. 3. REPORT TO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 3
(a) CONTENTS.—Not later than ___, 2011, the President shall transmit to
Congress a report describing in detail United States security interests
and objectives, and the activities of United States Armed Forces, in
Libya since March 19, 2011, including a description of the following:
(1) The President’s justification for not seeking authorization by
Congress for the use of military force in Libya.
(2) United States political and military objectives regarding Libya,
including the relationship between the intended objectives and the
operational means being employed to achieve them.
(3) Changes in United States political and military objectives
following the assumption of command by the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO).
(4) Differences between United States political and military objectives
regarding Libya and those of other NATO member states engaged in
military activities.
(5) The specific commitments by the United States to ongoing NATO
activities regarding Libya.
(6) The anticipated scope and duration of continued United States
military involvement in support of NATO activities regarding Libya.
(7) The costs of United States military, political, and humanitarian
efforts concerning Libya as of June 3, 2011.
(8) The total projected costs of United States military, political, and
humanitarian efforts concerning Libya.
(9) The impact on United States activities in Iraq and Afghanistan.
(10) The role of the United States in the establishment of a political
structure to succeed the current Libyan regime.
(11) An assessment of the current military capacity of opposition
forces in Libya.
(12) An assessment of the ability of opposition forces in Libya to
establish effective military and political control of Libya and a
practicable timetable for accomplishing these objectives.
(13) An assessment of the consequences of a cessation of United States
military activities on the viability of continued NATO operations
regarding Libya and on the continued viability of groups opposing the
Libyan regime.
(14) The composition and political agenda of the Interim Transitional
National Council (ITNC) and its representation of the views of the
Libyan people as a whole.
(15) The criteria to be used to determine United States recognition of
the ITNC as the representative of the Libyan people, including the role
of current and former members of the existing regime.
(16) Financial resources currently available to opposition groups and
United States plans to facilitate their access to seized assets of the
Libyan regime and proceeds from the sale of Libyan petroleum.
(17) The relationship between the ITNC and the Muslim Brotherhood, the
members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, and
any other group that has promoted an agenda that would negatively
impact United States interests.
(18) Weapons acquired for use, and operations initiated, in Libya by
the Muslim Brotherhood, the members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting
Group, al Qaeda, Hezbollah, and any other group that has promoted an
agenda that would negatively impact United States interests.
(19) The status of the 20,000 MANPADS cited by the Commander of the
U.S. Africa Command, as well as Libya’s SCUD–Bs and chemical munitions,
including mustard gas.
(20) Material, communication, coordination, financing and other forms
of support between and among al-Qaeda operatives, its affiliates, and
supporters in Yemen, the Horn of Africa, and North Africa.
(21) Contributions by Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and
other regional states in support of NATO activities in Libya.
(b) TRANSMITTAL.—The report required by this section shall be submitted
in unclassified form, with a classified annex, as deemed necessary.
SEC. 4. FINDINGS.
The President has not sought, and Congress has not provided,
authorization for the introduction or continued involvement of the
United States Armed Forces in Libya. Congress has the
constitutional prerogative to withhold funding for any unauthorized use
of the United States Armed Forces, including for unauthorized
activities regarding Libya.
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