Norman D. Dicks: “Before I begin, I want to say that I have great respect for Congressman Cole, who serves on the Defense Appropriations…”

“Before I begin, I want to say that I have great respect for Congressman Cole, who serves on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. He is one of our most thoughtful members. The NATO-led mission to defeat Qadhafi and protect the people of Libya was undertaken in concert with a broad coalition of nations, including the Arab League, and it followed a resolution adopted in the United Nations Security Council authorizing ``all necessary measures.'' This amendment would end our involvement unilaterally. I believe this could materially harm our relationship with NATO, which is also playing a major role in this. We will undoubtedly require support in the future in our dealings with NATO, and we get support in Afghanistan today. I do support a wider debate and greater oversight of the use and the costs of U.S. military forces engaged in the Libya operation, both in the defense and foreign affairs-related committees as well as here on the House floor. We should let the mission with our NATO allies continue so we can overthrow Qadhafi and protect the Libyan people. I urge all my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.”