Peter Welch: “I thank the gentleman. There are two issues before Congress: one is the reassertion of its responsibility under article…”

“I thank the gentleman. There are two issues before Congress: one is the reassertion of its responsibility under article I and the War Powers Act; number two is the decision on the limited use of force for humanitarian missions in Libya. The Hastings resolution accomplishes both. It reasserts our authority under article I and the War Powers Act. It says, yes, we do support limited intervention with a role for the U.S. in saving lives in Libya. That mission is necessary to avert a humanitarian disaster. Two, the mission has broad international support, including from the Arab League. Three, the U.S. role is limited in scope: no boots on the ground. And, finally, we are, by acting, asserting our responsibility under the War Powers Act and our responsibility under article I.”