Maryland's delegation split along party lines over two votes in the House of Representatives Friday that addressed U.S. involvement in the Libyan conflict – and, in an unusual twist, the state's two Republicans supported a measure drafted by one of the most liberal Democrats in Congress.
One measure, authored by Ohio Democrat Dennis Kucinich, would have required President Barack Obama to halt U.S. operations in Libya within 15 days. Eighty-seven Republicans – including Maryland Reps. Roscoe G. Bartlett and Andy Harris – sided with 61 Democrats to support that measure. The proposal ultimately failed, 148-265.
"The only truly constitutional option available today was the resolution introduced by Congressman Kucinich," said Bartlett, who had previously called Obama's decision to deploy U.S. forces in Libya without congressional authorization "an affront" to the Constitution. "I am opposed to how
the United States military was ordered into war with Libya."
Five of the state's six Democratic lawmakers opposed the proposal. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer did not vote. He later released a statement saying he opposes the measure.
A second proposal, put forward by Republican House Speaker John Boehner, requires the White House to inform Congress on the scope and costs of the effort in Libya. That measure passed on a 268-145 vote, with both Maryland Republicans in support and the state's Democrats opposed.
Republicans and some Democrats have expressed concern that Obama did not seek approval from Congress before initiating a bombing campaign in Libya in March. The White House has argued that the ongoing military effort is being led by NATO, not the U.S., and that administration officials have regularly briefed lawmakers.
"While I certainly agree the United States should not put boots on the ground in Libya, I did not support either of these resolutions," Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, a Baltimore County Democrat, said in a statement. "I believe they both unnecessarily tie the president's hands, undermine the mission and send the wrong message to our allies around the world."
