Kucinich's Libya resolution pulled from House schedule

A resolution calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Libya was withdrawn from the House schedule this week, prompting sponsor Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) to charge that House leaders were afraid it might have passed.

"The House Leadership has communicated to me via email that the vote on Libya will be postponed 'in an effort to compel more information and consultation' from the administration," Kucinich said Wednesday. "I have been asked to provide input for the information which the House will seek from the administration."

Kucinich said his reading of the delay is that House leaders and the Obama administration are looking to stall for time as they look to justify ongoing military activities in Libya.

"I am disappointed that the President and leadership feel the need to buy even more time to shore up support for the War in Libya," Kucinich said. "It's not surprising that some are now wondering if a preliminary vote count on my resolution came out in favor of defending the Constitution.

"The administration wants to postpone and avoid this deliberation; however Congress cannot maintain its position as a co-equal branch of government if it willingly forfeits the decision-making on matters of war and peace," he added. "This is why it is important that this issue be brought forward for deliberation and a vote."

Kucinich said the House is at some point expected to consider a rule that will "structure the consideration" of his Libya resolution, H.Con.Res. 51.

Kucinich and other members have argued that the War Powers Act only allows the president to commit military forces without congressional approval in the case of an imminent threat to the U.S., and that even when this threshold is met, congressional approval must be sought after 60 days. Kucinich has argued that the administration failed to show there was any imminent threat to the U.S. in Libya, and that regardless, operations have been in place for longer than 60 days.