Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

Fortenberry Calls on President to Further Define Evolving Libyan Mission

June 03, 2011

Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today supported a resolution calling for President Obama to report to Congress within 14 days on America's ongoing engagement in Libya.

"The president has not communicated effectively with Congress, nor has he sought this body's authorization for America's undertaking in Libya," Fortenberry said. "U.S. actions in the allied effort have saved Libyan civilians from imminent slaughter, but our involvement has since moved beyond the scope of a humanitarian relief and stabilization operation. We should not creep toward a third war front in Libya."

"Stopping short of requiring abrupt withdrawal of U.S. participation in the Libyan mission, this resolution gives the President a small window of time to make the case for ongoing U.S. involvement. If he cannot, Congress can disapprove and exercise its options."

Fortenberry is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and vice chair of its Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights.

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