House to consider two Libya resolutions

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said on Tuesday evening that House Republicans would meet on Wednesday to discuss two Libya resolutions — one that would authorize the use of force in Libya, and another that would require the U.S. to withdraw military forces.

Boehner said both bills would be posted online Tuesday night. House leaders have hinted that a vote could be schedule for this week on a Libya bill.

{mosads}The resolution supporting the Libya mission would mirror language introduced by Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and John Kerry (D-Mass.). The resolution in opposition would require all troops to be withdrawn except those engaged in non-hostile actions.

Boehner said the issue is still under discussion because members are not buying the Obama administration’s explanation that activities in Libya do not amount to hostilities.

“It is clear that the Obama administration’s claim that targeted bombings, missile strikes, and other military actions in Libya do not constitute ‘hostilities’ under the War Powers Resolution is not credible,” Boehner said. “As we have learned in the past week, even his administration’s attorneys from the Office of Legal Counsel and the Department of Defense recognize that.”

{mosads}Boehner said the U.S. has no desire to damage the NATO alliance, but said the White House “must not ignore its obligations to the American people and the laws of this country.”

“If the Commander-in-Chief believes that intervention in Libya is important for our national security, he has a responsibility to make a case for it — clearly and publicly — and seek authorization,” Boehner said. “In the three months since military action in Libya began, none of this has occurred. The American people deserve to have their voice heard in this debate, and Congress has a responsibility to hold the White House accountable.”