A vast majority of the House voted Friday for a resolution telling Obama he has broken the constitutional chain of authority by committing U.S. troops to the international military mission in Libya.
What amounted to a legislative lectures of Mr. Obama, Congress escalated the brewing constitutional clash over whether he ignored the founding document’s grant of war powers by sending U.S. troops to aid in enforcing a no-fly zone and naval blockade of Libya.
The resolutions were non-binding, of course, but roughly three-quarters of the House voted to put Mr. Obama on notice that he must explain himself or else face future consequences, possibly including having funds for the war cut off.
“He has a chance to get this right. If he doesn’t, Congress will exercise its constitutional authority and make it right,” said House Speaker John A. Boehner.
The size of the vote signals overwhelming discontent with Mr. Obama’s handling of the constitutional issues surrounding the Libya fight.
Asked about the votes beforehand, the White House said it believes it is following the law by alerting Congress of its intentions regarding Libya, and called the resolutions “unnecessary and unhelpful.”
What this all amounts to is Obama blatant disregard for the constitutional authority of Congress. It is also a violation of his oath of office, on which he swore to uphold and defend the Constitution.
Congress has given the President more than enough time to inform Congress of his action in Libya. It has been well over 60 days of the requirement to notify its members and it's time they get even tougher.
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