WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama on Friday invited Congress to approve U.S. intervention in Libya, expressing "support" for a bipartisan resolution drawn up by a group of senators authorizing the military operation.
Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, passed amid the turbulence of the Vietnam War, presidents must obtain congressional approval for the use of force within 60 days, or else begin withdrawing. That deadline was Friday for the Libya operation.
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"Congressional action in support of the mission would underline the U.S. commitment to this remarkable international effort," Mr. Obama wrote in a letter to congressional leaders. "It has always been my view that it is better to take military action, even in limited actions such as this, with congressional engagement, consultation and support."
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The president cited a resolution of approval drawn up by Sen. John Kerry (D., Mass.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Sen. Carl Levin (D., Mich.), chairman of the Armed Services Committee; Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.), the top Republican on the Armed Services panel; and others. Mr. McCain predicted recently that the resolution would get 80 votes in the Senate.
It's only mean old man McCain's estimate, but name one legislative item that would garner 80 votes in the Senate. America loves itself some war, and it's the one national priority for which we will always justify the cost.
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