Strange Bedfellows?

Senators move to authorize Libya mission

Sen. John F. Kerry, Massachusetts Democrat, who is Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, and Sen. John McCain, Arizona Republican, who is the ranking GOP member on the Senate Armed Services Committee — and, coincidentally, the last two losing presidential nominees — are co-sponsoring the resolution, which would grant Mr. Obama “limited” authorization to continue using force.

A curious development, to be sure. The House seems to be  moving, however slowly, to cut off funds for the non-hostilities in Libya while at the same time these two are attempting an end run.

I don’t understand the reasoning behind this move at all.

“This is not a blank check for the president. This resolution authorizes the limited use of American forces in a supporting role,” Mr. Kerry said in a floor speech to the Senate. “It says specifically that the Senate does not support the use of ground troops in Libya. And it authorizes this limited use of American forces for a limited duration — it would expire in a year.”

The White House has rather pointedly gone to great lengths to avoid even dealing with Congress and now this?

The White House has not actually sought congressional approval but repeatedly has said it would “welcome” it if Congress acted, and has pointed to Mr. Kerry’s resolution as a good step.

Sure! “I don’t much care what you think, but if you want to agree with me that’s a good step.” The Great Unwashed will never understand anyway.

Category: Foreign Policy, Politics, Who knows