Rep. Bishop Statement on Libya Use of Force Resolutions

Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives today voted on two resolutions regarding the American military presence in Libya. Rep. Bishop voted for H.Res. 294, authored by the Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), which requires the Administration to provide the House – no later than 14 days after the resolution is adopted – information on cost, strategy, the political agenda of the competing Libyan factions and the extent of Al Qaida’s involvement in Libya. H.Res. 294 passed the House by a vote of 268-145.

Rep. Bishop voted against H.Con.Res 51, authored by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), which would require the President to remove all United States Armed Forces from Libya under the War Powers Act within 15 days. H.Con.Res 51 failed in the House by a vote of 148 to 265.

“I supported the President’s initial decision to take action and prevent a humanitarian crisis in Libya. However, after more than 60 days of NATO missions in that country, Congress has a constitutional right to hear directly from the President about what our goal in Libya is and how it will be achieved. I voted for Speaker Boehner’s resolution because we owe the American people and the loved ones of our heroic service members who are carrying out this mission a clearer description of our role in Libya.

“I did not support the resolution offered by Rep. Kucinich because it would undermine NATO and reduce the effectiveness and reliability of our alliance. Nevertheless, with two wars already in progress, we cannot afford another open-ended conflict in the Middle East. I urge the President to come forward with concrete details and explain to Congress about what our objectives are in Libya.”

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