CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE SENDS LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA ON U.S. MILITARY ACTIONS IN LIBYA

March 23, 2011

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, ranking member of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security, sent a letter to President Obama regarding U.S. military actions in Libya. Below is the full text of the letter:

March 22, 2011

The Honorable Barack Obama

President of the United States of America

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

As the world watched the apparent slaughter of the Libyan people, something had to be done. I applaud both your concern and leadership when you said “we are answering the calls of a threatened people, and we are acting in the interests of the United States and the world.”

Further, the decision by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 1973 was an important step showing the collaboration of many nations to help stop the slaughter of the Libyan people. I believe it was important for America to be involved in this humanitarian effort that the League of Arab States supported. I believe it is crucial because of the Constitutional requirement of Article I, Section 8, that the efforts of the United States are strictly humanitarian in conjunction with United Nations resources to help the Libyan people.

Mr. President, I therefore respectfully request that America’s military operation cease at a time certain in a few days as you stated: “I authorized the armed forces of the United States to begin a limited military action in Libya in support of an international effort to protect Libyan civilians.” “Days, not weeks,” as stated during your congressional briefing. If this is not the intent of our government, then I believe it is imperative to bring a resolution to the Congress asking for a declaration of war under Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution.

Mr. President, the United States military is engaged in military action in Iraq and Afghanistan with many more forces stationed in difficult places around the world. I believe it is in the national security interest of the United States that we help the parties move quickly to a cease fire and a resolution occurs in which United States forces leave Libya. The United Nations should reconvene the National Security Council to stabilize Libya, work with the League of Arab States, and assess next steps.

I await your response while I also acknowledge the brave men and women of the United States Military. Again, thank you for your leadership on behalf of the American people.

Very truly yours,

Sheila Jackson Lee

MEMBER OF CONGRESS