In a statement issued today by the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates blasted Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D – OH) over his bill which would order President Obama to end the illegal war in Libya.

Gates argued that since the war is now NATO-led and the US is a part of NATO they are obliged to continue fighting the war regardless of Congressional opposition, adding that a move to “unilaterally abandon” the war would have “dangeorus long term consequences.”

Kucinich’s bill points out that President Obama failed to get Congressional approval within 60 days of starting the war and demands a quick end to America’s involvement. The bill has been indefinitely delayed by House Republican leadership over concerns that it would pass if it came to a vote. Kucinich can still force a vote as soon as next week.

Gates’ statement cautioned that a Congressional demand to end the war would “send an unhelpful message of disunity” to the troops involved in fighting it. The statement also said it was important for Congress to have a “legitimate policy debate without needlessly undermining our military operations.”