On the recordJune 8, 2011
I am pleased to join the distinguished Senator from Virginia, the former Secretary of the Navy, in the introduction of this joint resolution, along with Senator Lee from Utah. I look forward to a debate of this resolution next week which I hope will end up passing both bodies and which calls for a number of answers we have been requesting to come forth. I wish to discuss the ongoing situation in Libya where--specifically U.S. participation in NATO military operations authorized by the United Nations' Security Council resolution passed on March 17, 2011. For those of you listening, you heard me correctly. It was authorized by the United Nations, not the U.S. Congress. We are spending roughly $2 million per day on a mission on which the President has yet to broadly consult Congress. I find it unbelievable that the President would seek the approval of the United Nations and the Arab League for military operations over Libya while sidelining the body that speaks for the American people, not even answering our questions. This is not consultation, nor is the President heeding the concerns of his own constituents. For many weeks now, I and many colleagues, for that matter, have attempted to gain answers to some of the most basic questions about what we are doing in Libya. Through hearings in the Foreign Relations Committee, we have not received these answers. We have asked for specific witnesses and received no response. This is not consultation.…
