Several lawmakers weighed in on President Obama’s address to the nation last night. Here’s a sampling of what some of them had to say…..
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.):
“The United States has a proud history of standing alongside those who stand up for their own freedom. This month, as Moammar Gaddafi’s forces massed outside the rebel-held city of Benghazi, Libya and prepared to inflict further atrocities on the Libyan people, we acted to stop this deadly advance. Our men and women in uniform have performed bravely and with unwavering commitment to liberty.
“As the president said, we did not act alone, but with a broad and determined group of international allies. The responsibility of securing a no-fly zone over Libya as set out by the UN Security Council resolution has been shared by that coalition, which includes several Arab partners. The burden will also be shared going forward, as America’s role changes and we turn this mission over to NATO on Wednesday. America and its allies stand alongside the Libyan people as they determine their future. While I support the president’s decision not to commit ground troops to this mission, I share the President’s determination to see this tyrant removed from power.
“Going forward, Congress will continue to monitor the situation in Libya, carrying out our Constitutional oversight responsibilities. We are watching closely and earnestly encouraging this progress toward real change in Libya and throughout the Middle East.”
House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.):
“Tonight, President Obama spoke to the American people about the ongoing international military effort to prevent the Gadhafi regime’s brutal attacks on Libyan civilians. I support this lifesaving effort, which has been authorized by the United Nations and backed by our European allies and the Arab League. I also applaud the service and courage of the American troops who are helping to carry it out. It is essential, however, that the president continue to inform and consult with Congress as long as American troops remain part of this mission. Finally, I am pleased that NATO is set to take over leadership of this mission on Wednesday; as I have urged the president, our European allies and the members of the Arab League must assume the leading role.”
Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.):
“President Obama demonstrated leadership and patience to create a strong international coalition to prevent further attacks on the Libyan populace by its government. As the president outlined tonight, the next step is to make sure the U.S. mission in Libya is more narrowly defined and limited with NATO leading the effort to keep the Gaddafi regime from attacking civilians. Congress must now meet its Constitutional obligations to ensure that the U.S. mission in Libya is not prolonged.”
Rep. André Carson (D-Ind.):
“The President’s remarks reassured Americans that our decision to protect Libyan civilians from unspeakable brutality is a crucial component of America’s finest ideals. I was encouraged when he restated that our role in Libya is lessening, was extremely limited, and has never included the prospect of U.S. ground troops.
“In the days ahead I will continue to monitor our involvement to ensure that our military engagement in Libya is in the best interests of the American people.”
Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.):
“I agree with President Obama that the world would be a better place without Qaddafi leading Libya and the Libyan civil war was causing a humanitarian crisis. The same story could be told in many countries across the globe where dictatorial regimes inflict brutality on and murder innocent civilians. President Obama said he did not want to wait to see images of slaughter and mass graves before taking action, however, since President Obama took office such pictures have emerged from places like the Congo and Darfur yet President Obama did not advocate for military intervention. The important question that the President did not clearly state is where he draws the line.
“He also did not state a clear vital national interest that is at stake in Libya. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said on Sunday that there were no vital national interests at stake in Libya. I agree with Secretary Gates. I also believe strongly that President Obama had a responsibility to first receive the positive support from the American people and the United States Congress before taking action. The support of international bodies and allies are no replacement for the support of the people of this nation and the Congress. The President’s address tonight left many questions unanswered and it is my sincere hope that he will begin to engage Congress so that we can be certain that we are taking appropriate action.”
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.):
“I was calling for a “no fly zone” for weeks before the President decided to act, and I am happy we are moving forward. We should have acted sooner, but nonetheless, we clearly prevented the slaughter of thousands of Libyan civilians in Benghazi.
“After hearing what the President had to day tonight, I still have questions about how far we are willing to go when it comes to removing Gaddafi from power. What are we willing to do to ensure that we don’t end up creating a stalemate and a failed state in Libya? I look forward to discussing these issues with the Administration over the coming weeks and months.” -Mike Rogers
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.):
“While I am pleased that the President spoke directly to the American people this evening about the situation in Libya, many questions remain about U.S. short, medium, and long term goals.
“I will continue to press for more answers from the Administration on the U.S. political and military objectives going forward, the nature and extent of U.S. involvement, the potential implications for vital U.S. interests, and what would constitute the completion of the mission.
“I will be raising these and other questions with the Deputy Secretary of State at a Committee hearing on Thursday of this week.”