President Obama rejected the views of top lawyers at the Pentagon and the Justice Department when he decided that he had the legal authority to continue American military participation in the air war in Libya without Congressional authorization.
Obama's view is that the Libya campaign is not covered by a provision of the War Powers Resolution that requires presidents to halt unauthorized hostilities after 60 days.
With drone attacks and spending in excess of $10M per day, the Office of Legal Counsel disagrees. Only the President or Attorney General can override OLC decisions.
Obama's view is that the Libya campaign is not covered by a provision of the War Powers Resolution that requires presidents to halt unauthorized hostilities after 60 days.
With drone attacks and spending in excess of $10M per day, the Office of Legal Counsel disagrees. Only the President or Attorney General can override OLC decisions.
"From the outset of this operation, Members of the House have demonstrated respect for the authority granted to the Commander-in-Chief," John Boehner said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the President has not exhibited a similar appreciation for Congress' important job of providing oversight and accountability. Even worse, he has failed to communicate to the American people why continuing this mission is critical to our national security."In 2007, President Bush ignored the legal conclusions of his top lawyers over NSA's warrantless wiretapping program.