H. Con. Res. 51 simply directs the President, pursuant to the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Libya within 15 days. I am a co-sponsor of this resolution.
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution, and the War Powers Act of 1973, states that unless a crisis threatening our security requires immediate action, only Congress may authorize the use of force. I firmly believe that the Constitution entrusts Congress, not the President acting alone, to decide when to put U.S. troops in harm's way. The President has not yet fulfilled what I believe is his obligation to seek Congress' approval to continue military operations in Libya, and that is why I support this resolution.
I want to be clear that my concerns are not limited to Libya and President Obama — my concerns apply to any and all Presidents, past and future. I spoke on the floor about this which you may view here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyjM95y4API I voted YES. H. Con. Res 51 passed and the entire vote is recorded below:
| YEA | NAY | PRESENT | NOT VOTING | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REPUBLICAN | 87 |
144 |
0 |
8 |
| DEMOCRAT | 61 |
121 |
0 |
11 |
| TOTAL | 148 |
265 |
0 |
19 |
| MASSACHUSETTS DELEGATION |
7 |
2 |
0 |
1 |