Your Legislators: Garrett Calls on Obama to Seek Congressional Permission for Libya Military Action

Conservative Congressman Scott Garrett (R-5th) introduced "H.Con.Res.53" on Wednesday, a bill declaring that Obama has exceeded his power to continue military involvement in Libya, and calls for him to seek Congressional authorization.

Under the War Powers Act, the president must seek Congressional approval before introducing U.S. armed forces into hostile situations. Unless Congress approves the action, the president must withdraw forces after 60 days. Friday, May 20 marked the 60-day deadline since Obama’s initial involvement on March 19, when he sent the U.S. navy to fire Tomahawk missiles in order to establish a “no-fly zone,” an effort coordinated between the U.S., Britain, and France.

Obama spoke during a visit in Brazil on March 20, saying, “I am deeply aware of the risks of any military action, no matter what limits we place on it. I want the American people to know that the use of force is not our first choice, and it’s not a choice that I make lightly. But we can’t stand idly by when a tyrant tells his people that there will be no mercy.”

A White House official stated Friday that the level of U.S. involvement was minimal, and Congressional approval was unnecessary, according to the Huffington Post, "This is a narrow U.S. effort that's intermittent and is principally to support the ongoing NATO-led and U.N. authorized mission,” the official said. “The U.S. role is also not only one of support but the kinetic pieces of that effort are intermittent."

Garrett chastised Obama’s disregard for what he believes is a need for Congressional involvement, stating in a press release, “Contrary to what President Obama believes, the United Nations does not serve as a proxy for the United States Congress. The only body that can vote to send the American military into harm’s way is the body that is held accountable to the American people."

Garrett said Obama's "foray into military engagement with Libya" raises "serious questions" about the separation of war powers in the constitution. "It’s my hope that this resolution will advance that debate by forcing President Obama to engage in a dialogue with Congress on the need to use military force in Libya,” he said.

To force the issue, Garrett introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to clarify that the NDAA does not in authorize Obama’s military action for the conflict in Libya. (His statements can be seen in the video at right.)

Garrett began hearings to review seven legislative proposals in order to lessen GSE involvement in the U.S. mortgage market and limit taxpayer exposure to the ongoing bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Said the influential congressman, “Currently, the government is underwriting roughly 97% of the entire housing market. Everyone on both sides of the aisle agrees that this number is completely unsustainable and must be reduced. These bills continue our efforts in beginning to wind down Fannie and Freddie and allow private capital to re-enter our mortgage market.”

Garrett issued a statement during a joint session of Congress May 24, thanking the Isreali Prime Minister Netanyahu for his "commitment to the peace process with Palestine," and stating his opinion that Israel should not revert to the 1967 border lines, and that it cannot continue to exist safely adjacent to the “contagious” Palestine.

According to Garrett, “Israel’s right to defend itself and live under the protection of a safe and secure border is non-negotiable." He said the real jump point for negotiations must be a "dual-commitment by Palestinians to reject terror and the recognize Israel’s right to exist." Only then, he said, can a true and stable peace process begin.