Bay Area Congress Members Call For An End To Libya Bombing
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- Bay Area members of Congress are leading the criticism of President Barack Obama, for taking military action in Libya without congressional consent. Several of them have even sent a statement to the White House, demanding an end to the U.S. bombing in Libya.
KCBS' Doug Sovern Reports:
North Bay Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey said Libya already looks an awful lot like recent American military history.
"We have a limited understanding of the situation on the ground, no exit strategy or plan," said Woolsey. "Haven't we learned our lesson through two ill-advised wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I ask you?"
Woolsey and colleagues Barbara Lee of Oakland and Mike Honda of San Jose have issued a statement chastising the president for not seeking Congressional authorization.
"It's absolutely absurd to go in and just start basically a third world war in which we have no interest," said Congressman Pete Stark of Fremont.
San Jose Representative Zoe Lofgren said President Obama's unilateral action violates the War Powers Act.
"It would be ironic indeed, if in an effort to help democracy in North Africa we diminished our democracy here in the United States," said Lofgren.
President Obama said he acted in the national security interest of the US, and promises a transition to NATO control of the mission within days.
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