House rejects effort to defund Libya action

House Speaker John Boehner talks to the press following a political strategy session on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 14, 2011. / AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

The U.S. House has turned back a Republican-led effort to cut off money for military hostilities in the Libyan war.

The vote Friday was 238-180. It came after the House had overwhelmingly rejected a largely symbolic measure to give President Barack Obama the authority to continue U.S. involvement in the military operation against Muammar Qaddafi's forces.

The funding measure would have barred drone attacks and airstrikes but allowed the United States to continue actions in support of NATO.

House Republican leaders pushed for the vote, with rank-and-file members saying the president broke the law by failing to seek congressional approval for the 3-month-old war.

The Republican leader of the House, Speaker John Boehner, said he supported the president's authority as commander in chief. "But when the president chooses to challenge the powers of the Congress, I as speaker of the House will defend the constitutional authority of the legislature," he said.

Some Democrats accused the Republicans of playing politics with national security. They said the vote would send a message to Qaddafi.

Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, said the vote would essentially "stop the mission in Libya and empower Muammar Qaddafi."

Other Republicans and Democrats, however, are furious with Obama for failing to seek congressional authorization as required under the War Powers Resolution. The 1973 law, often ignored by Republican and Democratic presidents, says the commander in chief must seek congressional consent for military actions within 60 days. That deadline has long passed.

Obama stirred congressional unrest last week when he told lawmakers he did not need authorization because the operation was not full-blown hostilities. NATO commands the Libya operation, but the United States still plays a significant support role that includes aerial refueling of warplanes and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance work as well as drone attacks and bombings.

A New York Times report that said Obama overruled some of his legal advisers further incensed members of Congress.

In a last-ditch effort Thursday, Clinton met with rank-and-file Democrats to explain the mission and discuss the implications if the House votes to cut off funds. The administration requested the closed-door meeting.

Rep. Tim Walz, a Democrat, said Clinton apologized for not coming to Congress earlier. But he said she warned about the implications of a House vote to cut off money.

"The secretary expressed her deep concern that you're probably not on the right track when Qaddafi supports your efforts," Walz said.

Rep. Howard Berman, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said such a vote "ensures the failure of the whole mission."

[joe1cr]

If we have representatives who fail to exercise their control over usurpation of unconstitutional powers perpetrated by the other two branches of government - powers delegated to Congress - "We the People" should educate them, and if that fails - replace these legislators.

Sadly Congress is allowing the separation of powers, and checks and balances to fade into oblivion, and the judges in some cases are acting, "with all the violence of an oppressor," and are setting public policy.

[joe1cr]

If we have representatives who fail to exercise their control over usurpation of unconstitutional powers perpetrated by the other two branches of government - powers delegated to Congress - "We the People" should educate them, and if that fails - replace these legislators.

Sadly Congress is allowing the separation of powers, and checks and balances to fade into oblivion, and the judges in some cases are acting, "with all the violence of an oppressor," and are setting public policy.

[b_tok]

Now doesn't that just show us where our elected Government Reps priorities and patriotism lies, basically an non-entity, the American people are not having our say in this Government and it has to go! if they don't represent "we the People", this government has no function! Terminate those who did not vote to cut off funding for Obama's illegal war! Mark it down for the next election!

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