United States: The House voted against the military intervention in Libya

United States, June 25, 2011

The House of Representatives of the United States, approved last night a protest vote against Barack Obama’s foreign policy with the Republican majority. This denied the support to continue the intervention in Libya because of its alleged breach of the law that requires the permission of Congress before any military action. The opposition failed to cut off funds for war, but the action gives a break to Muammar Gaddafi.

The House rejected a joint proposal submitted by Senators John Kerry and John McCain, Democrat and Republican respectively, for 295 against 123. Many Republicans and Democrats believe that Obama does not deserve support for having acted without the consent of the House.

Moreover, the White House described the votes as “disappointing” and claimed that “it will be reversed by the Senate”. But it cannot hide the political consequences of the decision; the internal division in matters of foreign policy became visible.

The voters of this controversial proposal in the House of Representatives explained that they do not want to prevent military interventions in Libya but to halt what they consider an abuse of power done by Obama.

U.S. laws indicate that the president must end the participation that has not been authorized for 60 days after the start in a statement to Congress, but the term expired on May 26. To continue he should seek the approval of the Parliament.

The result of this clash is an institutional competence that creates divisions among the American public.