US lawmakers delay Libya vote

WASHINGTON (AFP) – The House of Representatives delayed a vote Wednesday on a resolution calling for the end of US military operations in Libya over criticism of President Barack Obama’s strategy.

The vote on a measure by antiwar Democratic Representative Dennis Kucinich directing Obama to remove US forces from Libya “not later than 15 days” after it is adopted was delayed by Republican leaders.

“Members on both sides of the aisle are extremely frustrated with the administration’s failure to communicate the strategy in Libya,” a Republican leadership aide said in a statement.
Republicans are due to consult on the issue Thursday.

US lawmakers have accused Obama of violating a 1973 law aimed at curtailing the White House’s war powers.

The War Powers Resolution namely has a requirement — ignored by several US presidents — that US forces begin withdrawing from a conflict within 60 days unless explicitly authorized by the Congress. That deadline passed on May 20.

Although the US Constitution reserves to Congress the right to declare war, though US presidents have often sent forces into combat without first getting lawmakers’ explicit say-so.

Obama has asked Congress to support US military operations in Libya, stressing the “limited” nature of US involvement in the conflict pitting forces loyal to longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi against pro-democracy rebels.

The White House maintains that its support role to allies in Libya does not merit a formal declaration of war as required by the Constitution.

It also said the action falls short of the kind of campaign governed by the War Powers Resolution.

Kucinich denounced the vote delay on his resolution and called for an open debate on the Libyan conflict.

“We are now three months into the war and have yet to have an open discussion,” he said.

“Hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars later, the administration offers a classified briefing instead of an open discussion. What are they afraid of?”

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