The U.S. House of Representatives has voted down a measure giving President Barack Obama the authority to continue the U.S. military action against Libya.
The vote was 295-123 on Friday. The congressional action has no immediate effect on American involvement but represents a repudiation of the commander in chief.
The vote marks the first time since 1999 that either House has voted against a military operation. The last time was over President Bill Clinton's authority in the Bosnian war.
House Speaker John A. Boehner, a Republican from Ohio, was reported to have said Thursday that the action was intended as a symbolic gesture and sought to reassure the NATO alliance that U.S. forces were not likely to withdraw.
Obama has responded to concerns that he has flouted the intent of the 1973 War Powers Resolution by arguing that the Libyan conflict should not count as “hostilities.” The White House argument is that U.S. forces are engaged primarily in support activities, although U.S. drone strikes have continued.
No comments:
Post a Comment