The Libyan conflict is two months old, and while lawmakers have had plenty to say about the U.S. military action, Congress hasn’t officially taken any votes.
That could change this week. Sen. Joseph Lieberman joined with a half-dozen other senators on Monday to endorse the “limited use of military force” by the U.S. in Libya. Notably, the resolution also says the goal of U.S. policy in Libya should be to see “the departure from power of Muammar Qaddafi and his family, including through the use of non-military means, so that a peaceful transition can begin.”
“This resolution will put the Senate on record in support of our efforts to help the Libyan people liberate themselves from a terrible dictator,” Lieberman said in a statement Monday. “At a moment when Qaddafi continues to wage war against civilians and our military’s contributions remain as critical as ever, this will send a strong and important message that Congress and the White House stand united.”
It’s unclear when the Senate might take up the measure, which gained White House backing last week. But the House could debate the measure as early as this week, according to a report in the Hill.