Senate weighing in on Obama policy on Libya

[June 28, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senators will have their say on President Barack Obama's decision to involve U.S. forces in the military operation against Libya.

On Tuesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is to quiz State Department legal adviser Harold Koh about Obama's claim that he doesn't need congressional authorization for the attacks because they aren't full-blown hostilities and the U.S. is supporting the NATO-led operation. That argument angered Republicans and Democrats.

Later in the day, the committee is to consider a resolution by Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and John McCain, R-Ariz., to give Obama limited authority of one year for the mission while prohibiting U.S. ground troops. Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., plans five amendments to the measure that would further restrict Obama's authority.

Rebuking Obama, the House rejected the resolution on Friday.

[Associated Press]

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