U.S. House currently debating resolutions for troop withdrawal, more info on Libya war (Updated with votes)
Update, 1:46 p.m. EST: The House approved Boehner’s resolution, 268-145, and rejected Kucinich’s by a vote of 148-265.
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The U.S. House is currently discussing two resolutions on the war in Libya. The debate is live on CSPAN.org. Both resolutions get one hour of debate with votes on both planned today.
The Hill’s Mike Lillis provides background on the resolutions and the growing bipartisan popularity in the House for applying their congressional duty in regard to the War Powers Resolution, which applies to “any case in which United States Armed Forces are introduced (1) into hostilities,” and approve or disapprove of military action in Libya. The deadline under the WPR passed last month, on May 20, which was 60 days after President Obama sent U.S. military forces to join NATO’s mission in Libya without consent of Congress.
The Hill:
“„Kucinich’s resolution would force a withdrawal of U.S. forces from Libya within 15 days unless President Obama can secure congressional approval for the mission.
“„The proposal was scheduled for a floor vote Wednesday, but as momentum for that measure grew, so did GOP leadership concerns that it might pass. As a result, they pulled the bill on Wednesday, and Boehner offered his alternative a day later.
“„Boehner’s proposal does not mandate a withdrawal of troops, but instead would force the White House to provide Congress with detailed information on the Libya mission, including the price tag and the administration’s justification for not seeking congressional authorization. It would also bar the Pentagon from sending ground troops to Libya.
Boehner’s legislation is H.Res 292. Kucinich’s is H. Con. Res. 51.
Democratic leaders have not been any more open to applying their constitutional duty than GOP leadership. The Hill:
“„Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) defended the White House on Thursday, arguing that both the Boehner and Kucinich proposals “do not advance our efforts in the region and send the wrong message to our NATO partners.” Pelosi is calling instead for “continued consultation with the Congress.”
Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) has signaled much of the same sentiment.
