GOP Spikes Bill to End Libya Conflict

Townhall Staff

Jun 03, 2011 2:46 PM Jun 03, 2011

Opinion

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(Newser) – House GOP leaders canceled a vote on a Dennis Kucinich resolution to end the conflict in Libya today, because they were afraid lawmakers would actually vote for the thing. John Boehner “is concerned that if this were to come to the floor now, it would pass,” one senior Republican staffer tells Politico. Another says there’s “lots of unrest on both sides of the aisle.” Boehner has scheduled a special meeting for tomorrow to decide what to do about Libya.

Because the resolution refers to the War Powers Act—which requires the president to get Congress’ approval for the use of military force—Kucinich can force a vote on it next week over Boehner’s objections. Boehner today said he thought the White House had "legally met their requirements" under the act, but added, "There are a lot of questions that remain out there, and frankly I think members on both sides of the aisle are looking for answers." Asked if President Obama had asked him to postpone the vote he replied, "That would require somebody picking up the phone."