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Graves Votes Against Authorizing Use Of U.S. Forces in Libya

Washington, D.C., Jun 24 -

U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-09) released the following statement after voting against authorizing the use of United States Armed Forces in the NATO mission in Libya [H.J. Res. 68], and against authorizing use of funds to support the NATO effort [H.R. 2278]:

“Despite numerous requests from Congress over the last three months, President Obama has failed to make clear to the American people the national security interests and objectives for U.S. military action in Libya.  With no discernable goal or basis for inserting our military into what has become our country’s third war in ten years, I cannot support providing any authorization or funding for using U.S. Forces in Libya.

“Additionally, while H.R. 2278 has been generalized as a measure to prohibit funding for combat activities in Libya, it actually allowed the President to continue most of the military operations currently underway.  This bill amounted to an open-ended authorization for items such as ‘operational planning’ and ‘reconnaissance,’ which meant the United States could stay engaged in this war for the foreseeable future. 

“I will continue to oppose any funding for the war in Libya unless the President resets the clock, makes a compelling case for U.S. military action, provides a clear objective, and comes to Congress with a request for authorization to use military force.”

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