Classified Middle East briefing set for senators this afternoon

There will be a classified briefing for senators regarding the situation in the Middle East at 2 p.m., Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced on the Senate floor.

The Obama administration is actively seeking authorization for air strikes against Libyan ground and air forces in order to protect rebel forces and avoid a humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations is scheduled to vote as early as this afternoon on a resolution authorizing such action.

“We are discussing very seriously and leading efforts in the Council around a range of actions that we believe could be effective in protecting civilians,” said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice, late on Wednesday afternoon. “The U.S. view is that we need to be prepared to contemplate steps that include but perhaps go beyond a no-fly zone.”

There is currently no word on whether the briefing will affect the timing of the vote on a three-week stopgap spending measure that is currently scheduled for 3 p.m.