Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 68, regarding continuing operations in Libya. As a member of the House Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, I believe it is vitally important for Congress to exercise strong oversight of the conduct of military operations across the globe. It is for this reason that I have supported measures requiring Congress to authorize the use of limited military force in Libya to protect civilians and support the ongoing NATO mission against Muammar Qaddafi, while prohibiting U.S. ground combat forces. The President, with the full backing of our allies, the Arab League, and the UN, engaged our military forces in Libya to prevent a humanitarian disaster that raised the specter of tragic episodes like Rwanda and Srebrenica. While I am always reluctant to involve our military in any conflict, I support the President's decision to protect the people of Libya and uphold U.S. principles of political freedom and basic human rights, when we have the ability to do so. I do not, however, support any effort to involve U.S. ground combat forces in this operation, and this authorization specifically prohibits ground combat forces. Earlier this month, Congress received a letter from Qaddafi praising its criticism of President Obama over the NATO mission. The world watches America, and what we say has a dramatic effect on not just our own nation, but the safety and security of our allies and peoples around the world.…”