Kucinich Amendment Tests Congress' Will to Exercise its Constitutional Authority

Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), who has led House opposition to the unauthorized war in Libya and filed a complaint in federal court to challenge the war, will again offer an amendment to the upcoming Defense Appropriations bill to cut off funds for the continuation of the war.

"This Administration brought our nation to war without Congressional approval or the support of the American people. When Congress demanded an explanation, the Administration tried to argue that bombing operations and support of other countries' military operations in Libya, which cost almost $9.5 million per day, do not constitute war. In a direct challenge to Congress, the Administration is continuing the war despite its inability to provide a constitutional or legal justification for bypassing Congress. Congress must use its constitutional authority of the power of the purse to end this war.

"My amendment will provide the first test whether this Congress will defend its own authority under Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution," said Kucinich.

A CBS News poll dated June 8, 2011 found that 'six in 10 Americans do not think that the United States should be involved in the conflict within that country. Just 30% of Americans think the United States is doing the right thing by taking part in the current military conflict in Libya now. A majority of Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike think the U.S. should not be involved in Libya.'

"The war in Libya lacks Constitutional authority and it lacks the support of the American people. I have filed suit challenging the President's authority to bring our nation to war absent Congressional approval and I am proposing this amendment to bring our engagement to a swift end," said Kucinich.