Boehner wants Obama to explain US role in Libya

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) on Sunday pressured President Obama to better explain U.S. objectives in Libya before proceeding with further military action.

Boehner did not specifically call for a declaration of war, or a speech before a joint session of Congress, but he did call on the president to articulate the goals of the mission.

"Before any further military commitments are made, the administration must do a better job of communicating to the American people and to Congress about our mission in Libya and how it will be achieved,” Boehner said in a statement. 

Under the War Powers Act, the president must inform Congress of any military resolution within 48 hours. It also limits military action to 60 days without further congressional approval.

Obama and many members of Congress have said that the goal for U.S. intervention in Libya is regime change. Appearing on Sunday talk shows, however, Adm. Mike Mullen said the U.S. mission is to first protect Libyan civilians from the forces of leader Moammar Gadhafi and to keep supply lines open for humanitarian aid.

Mullen did not say how long American forces would remain there. Mullen and Obama have said no U.S. ground troops will be sent into Libya.

Boehner and other congressional leaders were briefed on Friday by Obama before the president announced he had authorized the military to participate in allied actions in Libya.