For Immediate Release: March 24, 2011
Republican Liberty Caucus Condemns U.S. Military Action Against Libya
Attacks Violate Constitutional Requirement to Obtain Approval from Congress
Contact: Dave Nalle, RLC Chairman
WASHINGTON, DC — The Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC) National Committee has voted unanimously to condemn the Obama Administration’s military action against Libya.
The RLC resolution notes that the situation in Libya does not constitute a direct threat to the United States and that military action has not been authorized by Congress as required by the War Powers Act and the United States Constitution.
“At a time when we should be cutting back our foreign military involvement, the president’s action is as irresponsible as it is unconstitutional.” said RLC National Chair Dave Nalle of Austin, Texas.
As RLC member and Congressman from Michigan’s Third District Justin
Amash recently noted, “It’s not enough for the President simply to explain military actions in Libya to the American people after the fact — as though we are serfs. When there is no imminent threat to our country, he cannot launch strikes without authorization from th American people, through elected Representatives in Congress. No United Nations resolution or congressional act permits the President to circumvent the Constitution.”
In an interview in the Boston Globe in 2007, then-Senator Barack Obama shared his view on the matter, saying, “The President does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation.” Why are those words any less true today than they were when he spoke them only four years ago?
“President Obama seems to have taken this action solely on the authorization of the United Nations without consideration of the best interests of the United States or the limits which the Constitution places on the power of the president,” said RLC Chairman Dave Nalle. “The greatest threats to the safety of our citizens today are the reckless spending and dangerous fiscal policies of this administration. The President should do what he swore in his oath — uphold the Constitution. Instead, he continues to push a Big Government, freedom-crushing agenda that has not resulted in economic prosperity in our country.”
The Republican Liberty Caucus is working to raise awareness of the problems with United States intervention in Libya. As Congressman Amash observed, “The cost to American taxpayers will be substantial. We cannot spend money we don’t have on a war we don’t need.”
According to RLC Chairman Dave Nalle, “Our state chapters and our nationwide network of activists will be contacting their legislators to remind them of the traditional Republican foreign policy and the party’s historical commitment to constitutionally limited government. Our members demand an immediate end to military action by U.S. forces in Libya,” concluded Nalle.
-30-
On March 24th, 2011 at 6:22 am
[...] also: RLC Condemns U.S. Military Action Against Libya; March 24, [...]
On March 24th, 2011 at 8:58 am
How hypocritical that Biden does not call for Obama’s impeachment? I called for Bush’s and I now call for Obama’s. Wake up America we are not the worlds policemen. It is not our job to spread democracy around the world. We are not a democracy we are a REPUBLIC! We must work to restore our Republic.
On March 24th, 2011 at 9:07 am
Keep in mind that OBombma recently accepted a post as chairman of the UN Security Council which by itself is a huge conflict of interest. Then OBombma as a UN Chief Official committed US Military resources to a UN police action without any support from Congress, which demonstrates an actual act of treason for committing US military forces for use by a foreign power whose interests are opposed to our own. Why is Congress silent regarding this abuse of power? Why is there no official response from Congress (not referring to isolated responses).
On March 24th, 2011 at 10:40 am
Once again it is the RLC who takes the lead when it comes to organizations who proclaim the Constitution and “Liberty”. It is their actions, not their voluminous bellows for contributions that gains my respect!
Taking the lead and questioning this action in Libya, is just another example. Again, a new chapter in the repeated history of entanglements precluded with the customary side step of U.S. congressional approval, yet genuflecting to the alter of the United Nations.
God bless Justin Amash! I am really proud of that young mans dedication to seeing that the Constitution’s meaning be preserved.
We need a multitude like him, not only in Congress but in every town square and county seat in America!
Nice job folks. Additionally let’s not forget the war going on at home and how our U.S. Border Patrol Agent, Brian Terry became victim to and was let down by this administration.
His family deserves answers and resignations from the top are in order!