McClintock: Libya operation an ‘illegal and unconstitutional act’

McClintock rejected the idea that Obama had no time to seek congressional permission.

“The president has implied that he didn’t have the time for congressional authorization to avert a humanitarian disaster in Libya,” he said. “Well, he had plenty of time to get a resolution from the United Nations, and I would remind him that just a day after the unprovoked bombing of Pearl Harbor, Franklin Roosevelt appeared in this very chamber to request and receive congressional authorization.”

He also dismissed the idea that a similar process took place related to military action in Kosovo in 1999.

“Well if that is the case, then shame on the Congress that tolerated it, and shame on us if we allow this act to stand unchallenged any longer,” he said. “This matter strikes at the heart of our Constitution. If this act is allowed to stand it will fundamentally change the entire character of the legislative and executive functions on the most momentous decision that any nation can make. It will take us down a dark and bloody road that the American founders fought so hard to avoid.”