Politics & Government

Fitzpatrick Applauds House Vote on Libya

Measure prevents President from using funds to deploy ground troops to Libya.

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick Thursday issued the following statement after the passage of an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Bill that would preclude the President from using defense funds to deploy, establish or maintain the presence of the Armed Forces or private security contractors on the ground in Libya, except to rescue a member of the Armed Forces.

According to a release, the amendment offered by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) passed with broad bi-partisan support by a vote of 416-5.

“For over two months I have been calling on the President to define the mission and engage Congress regarding our role in Libya,” said Fitzpatrick.  “And for two months the President’s response has alternated between deafening silence and empty rhetoric.  The American people and the United States Congress will not tolerate ground troops in a third theater in the Middle East without clear goals or metrics of success.  Today’s vote puts President Obama on notice of that fact.  The President needs to fulfill his constitutionally mandated duties and seek authorization from Congress on a clear mission that achieves objectives in our national interest. ”

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