Rooney: President Must Seek Congressional – Not UN – Approval before Taking Further Action in Libya
Monday, 21 March 2011 11:40
Calls on President to Define Mission, U.S. Role
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16), who serves on the House Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, today called on President Obama to articulate clearly the U.S. mission in Libya and to seek approval from Congress before taking additional action.
“The President sought approval from the United Nations and the Arab League before taking any action in Libya, but he never consulted the United State Congress,” Rooney said. “That sets a terrible precedent. By seeking only U.N. approval, the President is transferring authority that should rest in the people of the United States through their Congress to an international community.
“President Obama has yet to articulate a clear mission for Operation Odyssey down, nor has he adequately defined what the United States’ role will be in achieving that mission.
“We as a Congress must reassert our constitutional authority, even if that means ending our recess week early. Before any military action is escalated, President Obama must seek Congressional approval.”
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