Rigell blocks funding of Libyan military action
By Brian Kirwin | Friday, May 6th, 2011 | International, PolicyHR 1708 couldn’t be clearer.
No funds available to the Department of Defense or any other United States Government department or agency may be used to support Operation Odyssey Dawn.
Representative Scott Rigell calls the military action in Libya a “civil war” and questions whether President Obama has the authority to conduct it.
“One of the ways we honor our men and women in uniform is we honor and adhere to the Constitution that they are defending,” Rigell said. “I do not think our founding fathers intended that one person could commit our armed forces to military action… unless there was a threat or we had been attacked.”
“It was clear that American lives were not at risk. It was clear the security of the United States was not at risk,” he said. (Virginian-Pilot)
Even the War Powers Act provides that Congressional approval is required except when “a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.”
Libya certainly hasn’t attacked us to provoke our action. Rigell’s bill reminds me of the Boland amendments in the 1980s that blocked funding for aiding the Contras in Nicaragua.
Democrats had no problem supporting Boland. I wonder how they’ll feel about an internal conflict in Libya.
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About the author
The right wants to jeer him. The left wants to censor him. Moderates usually want both. Brian Kirwin is a political consultant and public relations strategist in Virginia Beach with a lightning-rod flair. Brian also serves on the VB Arts & Humanities Commission and frequently appears on Hampton Roads theatrical stages, if only to prove that all actors aren’t liberals. Kirwin’s columns stir up debate and hit the political scene with no punches pulled.
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6 Responses to "Rigell blocks funding of Libyan military action"
Scott got this right.
Gaddafi is still “the mad dog of the Middle East”, (Reagan). His crimes against humanity have gone on for decades. If he survives, his evil nature is more than capable of another Lockerbie and worse. This is a tough call. I hope the right one is made.
Newly constitutional scholar Rigell is so ‘deeply concerned’ about our gasoline bills he votes to drill offshore (which will have next-to-zero impact on today’s – or tomorrow’s – gas prices)… and then pulls this stunt to defund US/UN efforts to stabilize the region ~ although the rest of the world acknowledges Libyan instability IS impacting world energy prices. Either stupidity, pandering, or very sad attempt to appear relevant; you choose.
@Jay All this could be solved if Pres. Obama came to Congress to ask for authorization to use military force against Libya.
“It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.” ~ George Washington
Amen Matt, agree 100% and great decision Rigell! Obama needs to go to the United Arab League and the United Nations to fund his little experiment. That’s who authorized it.
I’m just tired of bailing out these corrupt decisions by liberals. They laundered money through teachers unions but we’re union busters for budgeting our money, then they want us to provide free abortions and then we’re anti-choice. So, it’s about time someone stands up.
Of course, the typical Republicans will cave in to the media, just as they have done with enhanced interrogations. I’ve been impressed with Rigell.
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