Rep. Sherman again forces War Powers vote

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) on Monday again moved to force the House to vote on language aimed at preventing any government spending in violation of the War Powers Resolution.

Sherman introduced an amendment to the Military Construction/Veterans Affairs (VA) appropriations bill, less than two weeks after he forced a similar vote on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill. On June 2, the House narrowly rejected Sherman's language in a 208-213 vote.

But some members argued that Sherman failed then because his proposal was not seen as an appropriate addition to the DHS bill, and it better suited to a defense-related bill. That, plus Monday comments from Rep. John Culberson (R-Texas) that he accepts the language on the VA bill, means Sherman's language could be approved later in the day.

Sherman's language is meant as a warning to the Obama administration that it has not sought formal congressional approval for continued military operations in Libya, which he and many others say is a violation of the War Powers Resolution. Sherman today reiterated that if this language can be attached to the spending bill, it will signal the White House that it needs to work more closely with Congress.

The House has already sent what is arguably a stronger signal, by approving a resolution on June 3 that demands more information about operations in Libya. The House is expecting a response from the administration by the end of this week.

The House adjourned at about 4:15 p.m. and is expected to return at 6:30 p.m. to vote on this and other amendments.