June, 01 2011, 01:16pm EDT
Statement from Congressman Dennis Kucinich Regarding a Delayed Debate on H. Con. Res. 51, His Resolution to End the War in Libya
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today made the following statement after his resolution, H. Con. Res. 51, to end the war in Libya was pulled from the Floor calendar and postponed:
"I am disappointed that the President and leadership feel the need to buy even more time to shore up support for the War in Libya. It's not surprising that some are now wondering if a preliminary vote count on my resolution came out in favor of defending the Constitution.
WASHINGTON
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today made the following statement after his resolution, H. Con. Res. 51, to end the war in Libya was pulled from the Floor calendar and postponed:
"I am disappointed that the President and leadership feel the need to buy even more time to shore up support for the War in Libya. It's not surprising that some are now wondering if a preliminary vote count on my resolution came out in favor of defending the Constitution.
"The House Leadership has communicated to me via email that the vote on Libya will be postponed 'in an effort to compel more information and consultation' from the Administration. I have been asked to provide input for the information which the House will seek from the Administration.
"The House is expected to consider a rule that will structure the consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 51, which requires the President to remove armed forces from Libya.
"It is clear that the Administration violated Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution which reserves to Congress the power to declare war. It is clear that the Administration is in violation of the War Powers Act, which, within a 60 day period, requires the President to terminate military action or seek authorization from Congress to continue the military action. Congress needs to act to defend the Constitution and the statute.
"The Administration wants to postpone and avoid this deliberation; however Congress cannot maintain its position as a co-equal branch of government if it willingly forfeits the decision-making on matters of war and peace. This is why it is important that this issue be brought forward for deliberation and a vote.
"I look forward to participating in this process of discovery and, in the interest of transparency, will make public all document requests.
"I look forward to the time when we will debate House Concurrent Resolution 51 and the Constitutional and statutory issues surrounding the war power."
Dennis Kucinich is an American politician. A U.S. Representative from Ohio from 1997 to 2013, he was also a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president of the United States in 2004 and 2008.
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