Published: July 08, 2011
US Congress Still Confused on Libya
Analysis By John Isaacs
Today, the House of Representatives again delivered a mixed message on the conflict in Libya.
Libya is a war the House loves to hate, but hates to stop.
In conflicting votes today, the House voted 225-201 for a Cole (R-OK) amendment to bar assistance to rebel groups in Libya.
At the same time, it declined by a vote of 199-229 to approve an Amash (R-MI)-Kucinich (D-OH) amendment to cut off funds for any U.S. military involvement in Libya.
On June 25, the House delivered a similarly confused message on the war. It refused to authorize U.S. military action when it rejected a Hastings(D-FL) amendment 123-295. It also declined to cut off funding for the American involvement in the fighting when it rejected a Rooney (R-FL) amendment 180-238.
The Senate, in the meantime, has not taken a position on the conflict, in part because of divisions there. However, o*n June 28, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 14 - 5 for an amended version of a Kerry (D-MA)-McCain (R-AZ) resolution authorizing the limited use of U.S. forces in Libya.
Still to come in the House later today: A Sherman (D-CA) to bar spending that violates the War Powers Act, which, according to Sherman, would bar the Administration from spending on any military activities not currently underway. On June 13, the House voted 248-163 for a similar Sherman(D-CA) amendment to the Military Construction appropriations bill.
The upshot of this confused message: The President can continue to carry out a war in Libya with no hindrance from Congress and no compliance with the War Powers Act.
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