Today, the House cast two votes, H.Res. 292 and H.Con.Res. 51, addressing the authority of Congress to declare war and the validity of U.S. military presence in Libya. H.Res. 292 passed the House, 268-145, while H.Res. 51 failed, 148-265.
Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) voted in favor of both bills and released the following statement:
"I voted today to uphold the Constitution and assert the Congressional authority that requires the people's approval before the U.S. military engages in combat. I am opposed to any U.S. military involvement in Libya unless we are attacked or there is a compelling reason to involve our sons and daughters in this foreign territory.
"On April 21, 2011 President Obama sent our military planes to attack the Libyan army. The President bypassed procedure and sent these forces without Congressional approval in complete disregard of the War Powers Resolution of 1973.
"We must hold this President accountable and remind him that he does not have unlimited power to do what he pleases, regardless of what the American people want. I stand with my constituents and demand that the Constitution be respected."