FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2011 CONTACT

Emily O’Neill 202.225.3866

emily.o’neill@mail.house.gov

Amash Announces Bill to Halt Libyan Strikes Until Congress Approves

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Justin Amash (MI-03) announced today he will introduce legislation that will require an immediate halt to military action in Libya by U.S. Armed Forces until the President seeks and obtains authorization from Congress.

“Without approval from Congress, and absent an imminent or actual threat to our nation, the President does not have the constitutional authority to take us to war,” said Amash. “The RECLAIM Act will enforce the constitutional requirement that Congress approve of an offensive military operation. Until the President seeks and is given authorization from Congress, air strikes in Libya must be halted.”

The RECLAIM Act includes a direct prohibition on the use of force and withdraws funding for military action against Libya until the President receives authorization. However, the bill specifically recognizes the President’s inherent authority to defend the country against an attack or imminent danger of an attack.

“Sending our brave men and women into harm’s way demands careful consideration. Whether or not Congress agrees with the President’s decision, initiating this conflict was not his decision to make alone,” Amash concluded.

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