WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today called on the Congress to exercise its War Powers authority to approve or disapprove the use of American troops in Libya - saying that we're "heading down a slippery path towards an escalation of military force" in the country.
Udall's comments come as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee prepares to consider a resolution next week titled, "Expressing the sense of the Senate on United States military operations in Libya." The committee was originally expected to consider the resolution this week, but that meeting was postponed.
"I have been proud to serve in the U.S. Congress for more than a decade. I have served in the body during two wars. I have seen the impacts on our military, on their families, and on our national deficit," Udall said. "I'm concerned that we're heading down a slippery path towards an escalation of military force in Libya. Before the United States escalates its involvement in another overseas conflict, this body must weigh in. It's our constitutional duty to our country and our constituents."
The War Powers Act requires the President to "terminate any use of United States Armed Forces" after a period of 60 days unless Congress "has declared war or has enacted a specific authorization for such use of United States Armed Forces" or "has extended by law such 60-day period" or if Congress is not able to meet as a result of an armed attack on the United States.
Udall, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, supported President Obama's initial decision to engage in a limited military operation in Libya to prevent an imminent humanitarian catastrophe. But more than 60 days after the President notified Congress of his intent to use military force, Udall believes the mission is now adrift and lacking direction.
"We are in danger of fighting an expanded war, a war that was originally justified as a limited military operation - a no fly zone - to prevent civilian casualties and an imminent catastrophe. This war has now been slowly expanded to one that is pushing for regime change," Udall said. "Like my colleagues, I deplore Muammar Gaddafi. I support a democratic transition and his departure from power. But the military goal should be defined and limited as a matter of policy. It should not include regime change. That is a dangerous escalation."
Concerned that this week's resolution didn't go far enough in restricting the use of military force, Udall drafted the following amendment to limit U.S. involvement in Libya and prevent the introduction of ground troops:
"The President is not authorized to deploy ground forces, including special operations forces, in pursuance of any goals related to United States policy in Libya, unless expressly authorized by Congress or as determined necessary by the President to protect members of the United States Armed Forces currently deployed in the region."
Because this week's meeting was postponed, the amendment was not introduced - but Udall will consider submitting it next week if he believes language in the revised resolution remains too weak.
"The current ‘sense of the Senate' is clearly not an authorization for use of military force. It does not meet the requirements of the War Powers Act, and falls short of meeting our Constitutional requirements to declare war," Udall said. "I look forward to consideration of next week's resolution, and strongly believe that it should include language similar to the amendment I drafted earlier this week."
