US Congressmen: Libya attack illegal

Republican Congressman, Justin Amash

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/172328.html

Two US Republican congressmen have submitted a draft bill that seeks to put an end to the US military intervention in Libya before the operations receive authorization by the Congress.

On Tuesday, Representatives Timothy Johnson of Illinois and Justin Amash of Michigan introduced the draft legislation that aims to suspend all fundings to measures involving US President Barack Obama's decision to intervene in Libya, Xinhua reported.

"Constitutionally, it is indisputable that Congress must be consulted prior to an act of war unless there is an imminent threat against this country. The President has not done so," said Rep. Johnson.

"The President cannot constitutionally order an offensive military operation without Congress's authorization. The argument is not about 'consultation' with Congress. It's more fundamental than that. It's about whether the president by himself can order an attack on another country when that country has not attacked or is not about to attack the U.S. The Constitution plainly forbids such action,” Amash said.

The Pentagon has said that the Libyan intervention has cost US taxpayers nearly 550 million dollars so far. These costs are expected to remain at 40 million dollars per month from now on.

Obama has also declared that he is considering plans to supply arms to Libyan opposition forces in their fight against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has claimed that the UN sanctions prohibiting the delivery of arms to Libya do not apply to the anti-government forces.

Experts say the main motive behind the Western attack on Libya is the vast oil reserves of the North African country.