WASHINGTON - Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), the leading opponent of the Obama Administration’s intervention in Libya, again challenged the basis for the Libyan war saying: “The critical issue today is not the defense of Libyan democracy but the defense of American democracy.” Tomorrow, Kucinich will address the House for one hour.

See the video here. The full text of the Congressman’s remarks follow.

"We are in the midst of a foreign policy and constitutional crisis. The Administration has committed our nation to a war against Libya in violation of the Constitution of the United States.

“The Administration has said that they do not have full information about the rebels they are assisting. But it is clear that for at least 30 years, U.S. intelligence has had a relationship with prominent elements within the Libyan opposition.

“Further, the New York Times today reports that elements of the opposition may be linked to Al Qaeda and that we are considering arming them.

“When it comes to the War in Libya, the Administration has subverted Congress and the United States Constitution.

“Tomorrow, I will present to Congress a definitive one hour response to the Administration’s Libyan War in the form of facts and questions. Congress must challenge violations of our Constitutional principles relating to war and peace.

“The critical issue today is not the defense of Libyan democracy but the defense of American democracy.”

Kucinich is the author of an amendment to the next funding measure to defund U.S. military intervention.