Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2011

CONTACT: Penny Pew or Hannah Loy 202-225-2315

Congressman Gosar Denounces Unconstitutional Act of War in Libya by President Obama

Today,U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) voted in favor of two House resolutions denouncing the President for violating the Constitution in engaging in military action in Libya without Congressional approval.   Gosar voted in favor of H.Res. 292, about which he said:

“The Constitution is very clear on this: only Congress can authorize acts of war against another country.  Whether we think his actions were wise or not is not the point.  The President has to abide by the Constitution and I strongly denounce his failure to do so.”

President Obama committed the U.S. Armed Forces and military assets to action in Libya without seeking Congressional approval, and the President further failed to even attempt to comply with the War Powers Act. 

“Once Congress authorizes the use of force, the Constitution envisions the Commander in Chief taking the lead role. Congress grants considerable trust and deference to the Commander-in-Chief, but that Commander must first follow the law.”

Congressman Gosar expressed concerns about the President’s failure to set forth a coherent plan explaining how U.S. involvement in Libya achieves any U.S. policy interests. 

“The President stated the job would be done in days, not weeks, but now, months later, the U.S. role is only increasing. In addition, I am troubled by some Administration statements indicating that American ground troops may be necessary in Libya.   My vote today sends a clear message to the President:  The Commander-in-Chief shall not place American troops in harm’s way without Congressional approval and without demonstrating there is an imminent and compelling national interest.”

 Finally, Congressman Gosar stated that “I have concerns about the War Powers Act, and it is something that I think needs to be evaluated more closely and possibly reformed.”

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