U.S. Rep. Rogers Concerns about Libyan Weapon Stockpiles Gain National Attention

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers — who supported the U.S. role in the NATO effort in Libya — is now urging strong American action to prevent weapon stockpiles from falling "into the wrong hands."

The weapons are said to include mustard gas, "a stew of deadly chemicals, raw nuclear material and some 30,000 shoulder-fired rockets," according to a Huffington Post news article.

"As it becomes increasingly apparent in Libya that the regime is falling apart, we must continue to act to protect our U.S. national security interests," said Rogers in a statement released Monday.

"Assertive action by the United States can make a critical difference in the struggle against dictatorship and oppression. But this is not over yet. Even after Qaddafi is out of power we will have to step up and lead to ensure U.S. national security interests are safeguarded. In particular, we must ensure that Qaddafi's stockpiles of advanced weapons, chemical weapons and explosives don't fall into the wrong hands."

The views of Rogers, a Howell Republican who represents Michigan's 8th District that includes both Brighton and Hartland, has been covered widely, including earning praise from the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board in comparison to the reaction of Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann, who issued a statement in which she reiterates her opposition to U.S. military involvement. He often is in the spotlight as the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.