Kucinich: House Will have Vote on Libyan War

War Powers Action to Toll on May 23

Washington D.C. (May 12, 2011) – In the wake of reports published today which indicate that Congress will not have a vote on the war in Libya, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today reiterated his determination to force the House of Representatives to vote to end military operations in Libya, pursuant to the War Powers Act of 1973.

“As soon as Congress returns on May 23, 2011, I will introduce a bill, pursuant to the War Powers Act, to force a vote in the House of Representatives to end U.S. military operations in Libya,” Kucinich said.

The bill will use the War Power’s process to insist upon Congress’ constitutional responsibility to make decisions pertaining to the use of U.S. military force abroad. “We must not let any war continue absent legal authorization by Congress,” he said.

The War Powers Act of 1973 was intended to secure the Constitutional role of Congress, as directly elected representatives of the people, under Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, to decide whether or not America enters into war, continues a war, or otherwise introduces armed forces or materiel into combat zones.

“Last month, President Obama ordered an attack on Libya, in violation of Article 1 Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution which reserves for Congress the power to declare war. As we approach the two month anniversary of the beginning of this war, the conflict continues to escalate at the cost of many lives with no end in sight.

“Regardless of one’s position on the war in Libya, we cannot deny that the United States, in committing an act of war against Libya, went to war absent congressional authorization as required by the Constitution,” said Kucinich.

Kucinich’s bill would likely be referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee for consideration. If the bill is not considered by the committee within 15 legislative days, the bill could then move directly to the House Floor for debate.

“We cannot stand idly by as a war of choice with significant ramifications on our national and economic security is waged in the name of our national interests. It has become increasingly clear that military action in Libya is not about protecting civilians and has only prolonged a civil war that will inevitably lead to more civilian casualties,” said Kucinich.

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