Date: 2011-06-03
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I rise today in opposition to H. Con. Res. 51. "Directing the President. Pursuant to Section (c) of the War Powers Resolution. to remove the United States Armed forces from Libya." I support the War Powers Resolution however I cannot support a resolution which requires the President to withdraw all United States Armed forces within 15 days of its adoption. As the Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee. I believe in supporting the Constitution of the United States. This Concurrent Resolution is a reminder to the American people that we must firmly hold true to our constitutional duties. We have the power to ensure the Executive does not overstep its bounds. As Members of Congress we can exercise our power through appropriation. the appointment process. exercising oversight over the Executive. enactment legislation. or even establishing a select Committee to probe any abuse of power by the administration. Presidents. Members of Congress. scholars and lawyers had long argued about which branch of government has the power to decide whether the nation goes to war. and meaningful discussions between the branches has not always taken place. In 1973. the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93148) was passed over the veto of President Nixon. in order to provide procedures for Congress and the President to participate in decisions to send U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities. Such force is constitutional under the Necessary and Proper Clause which specifically provided that "Congress shall have the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution. not only its own powers but also all other powers vested by the Constitution in the Government of the United States ...". The policy behind this power. entrusted to the President as Commander in Chief. to deploy U.S. armed forces to defend itself is "exercised only pursuant to: (1) a declaration of war. (2) specific statutory authorization. or (3) a national emergency created by attack upon the United States. its territories or possessions. or its armed forces." Pursuant to this authority. the President "in every possible instance" shall consult with Congress before deploying U.S. Armed Forces. and to continue consultations as long as the armed forces remain in hostile situations. As we consider the War Powers Resolution. we must also consider facts surrounding the state of violence and unrest in Libya and the consequences of both action and inaction on behalf of the Libyan people. I believe in the Constitution and the importance of maintaining the power of Congress in asserting when international conflicts warrant U.S. military involvement. I call upon the President to issue a report detailing the current status of the United States military forces in Libya within the next 30 days. We must not forget the bloodshed that continues to take place in Libya. The people of Libya have given their lives in their fight for democracy. This conflict began in Libya four months ago when Colonel Gaddafi failed to do what was right for his country and its people. Violence erupted as many Libyan citizens felt the painful consequences of a government resistant to change. Civil liberties were infringed upon. human rights were violated. and worst of all. many Libyan lives were lost. These atrocities were not committed under the command of some far away leader or as a consequence of a conflict with a foreign nation. No. these unforgivable acts were authorized by the hand of the Libyan leader himself. The widespread suffering in Libya was initiated and continues to be encouraged by the very man charged with protecting the Libyan people. The Libyan people are in desperate need of outside help. The question is no longer whether or not Libya is in a critical condition. I call on my fellow Members of Congress to continue to condemn the violence taking place in Libya today. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has continued to refuse to acknowledge the will of the Libyan people and the reality of the dilemmas that Libya faced. Rather than act as a true leader and acknowledge the interests of Libyan citizens. Gaddafi chose to remain steadfast to the status quoto disregard the context of an intolerable situation in favor of blindly following what has always been done just for traditions sake. The reality of the situation is this: it was Gaddafis refusal to contemplate the circumstances in Libya that led to the unnecessary loss of innocent lives. Let us not make the same error as we deliberate the role of the U.S. and the decision of our President to act on behalf of innocent people. We should not forget that the people of Libya are continuing to fight for democracy and there has been a significant loss of life. Gaddafi has a long record of bloodshed and blood continues to run in the streets of Libya. We cannot stand by and do nothing. and America cannot do this alone. I call for a unified voice from NATO. the United Nations. the African Union. and other world groups to stop the slaughter and violence against the people of Libya." As a Member of this body. I am calling on my colleagues to join me in calling attention to the plight of the people of Libya and their fight for freedom. justice. and deliverance from Col. Muammar elQaddafi. I stand with the people of Libya fighting for peace and freedom. It is clear that NATO has taken the Lead in protecting the Libyan People.