Kucinich to offer amendment to de-fund Libya military action

From NBC's Kelly O'Donnell, Luke Russert, and Domenico Montanaro
Liberal Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) is vowing to introduce an amendment to de-fund the military action in Libya. It's not likely to pass the House. Below is the full press release.

Kucinich last night also sent out a fundraising solicitation last night on the military action and on the potential that his district is eliminated after districts are re-drawn later this year.

Here's Kucinich's release:

Amendment Would Deny Funds for the Military Offensive in Libya
Washington D.C. (March 22, 2011) - Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today announced that he will offer an amendment that would prohibit federal funds from being used to fund military operations in Libya. The amendment would be offered to the next funding measure Congress considers.

Kucinich sent the following letter to fellow Members of Congress:

War Is More than Boots on the Ground

Support an Amendment to End Military Involvement in Libya

Dear Colleague:

A few days ago, the United States and our allies began conducting United Nations-sanctioned, U.S.-led military operations against Libya. The establishment of a no-fly zone by the U.S. and our allies, billed as an act to protect civilians in Libya, is an act of war. Yet the President committed the U.S. to military invention without consulting Congress, in clear subversion of Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, which gives only Congress the power to declare war.

According to the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, the initial costs of a no-fly zone could cost the U.S. between $400 and $800 million, or $30 to $100 million per week. We have already spent trillions of dollars on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, both of which descended into unwinnable quagmires. Now, the President is plunging the United States into yet another war we cannot afford. While the Administration assures us that that the U.S. will hand-off its lead role to coalition partners within days, we have not been notified of long-term plans or goals following initial air strikes in the country. The timeline the President gave to Congress was summarized with one word: "limited."

I intend to offer an amendment to the forthcoming Continuing Resolution or Omnibus Appropriations bill that would prohibit funding for U.S. involvement in military operations in Libya. I urge you to support this amendment.

Sincerely,
Dennis J. Kucinich
Member of Congress

Discuss this post

Liberal Rep. Dennis Kucinich(D-OH) is vowing to introduce an amendment to de-fund the military action in Libya.

Works for me...

This was never about what's good for the Libyan people but rather, who can score more cheap political shots!

Can you hear me now - chicken hawks?

The right is attempting to annihilate what's left of the middle class here in the US of A under the premise,'We're BROKE'!

Yet, when it comes to blowing crap up and wreaking havoc across the globe, there's no limit on the Chinese VISA card with them!

  • 7 votes
Reply#1 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:31 PM EDT

Nasty Redhead: It was YOUR President Barry Obama that took us into the Libyan mess.

  • 14 votes
#1.1 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:44 PM EDT

Forget it Joe...waste of time. When a person such as the above takes an argument and so deviantly twists to suit their own agenda, and continually regurgitates talking points seen on other liberal web sites, no matter how non-sensical, you are simply wasting your breath. Some just cannot open their minds enought to accept all postions of an argument and do not process anything antithetical to their narrow minded opinions. Some would have you believe it is the GOP, but alack and alas, not true. It is unfortunate and sad.

But, tell me how a left wing bigshot's effort to withhold funding for a war no one wants ties into the GOP bankrupting the country.

Anyway, Joe, remember, a liberal doesn't mind if you have an opinion as long as it its the same as theirs.

  • 7 votes
#1.2 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 2:30 PM EDT

President Obama just needs to pay a little visit to Kucinich's district...

He'll fold on this just like he folded on the public option after a presidential drop-in.

  • 3 votes
#1.3 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 2:49 PM EDT

I would like to thank all of the mental midgets above, who took time out of their 'busy' schedules to remind me that it is my President who took this action.

Until you all came along - I had NO idea!

I don't know how I'll survive in the future, without all of your enlightening thoughts, although I'm sure I'll find a way to manage!

  • 2 votes
#1.5 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 3:17 PM EDT

Until you all came along - I had NO idea!

______________________________________

Nasty Redhead: That was apparent from the content of your post #1 above. But, thanks for confirming it and you're welcome.

  • 6 votes
#1.6 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 3:27 PM EDT

Nasty Redhead:

Just between you & me Joey, do you 'get off' every time you type 'nasty redhead'? From the sound of you, I would guess it's a unconditional YES!

  • 1 vote
#1.7 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 3:36 PM EDT

Darn, Feisty-

Is your mental toolbox completely empty?

Why do you post stuff like that?

  • 4 votes
#1.8 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 3:58 PM EDT

do you 'get off' every time you type 'nasty redhead'?

_________________________________________

Nasty Redhead: Only if you define "getting off" as LMAO@U.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW, thanks for confirming it bothers you to be called out for what you really are.

  • 3 votes
#1.10 - Wed Mar 23, 2011 7:53 AM EDT

As usual, you have it backwards Jerk-Off Joey!

Doesn't bother me in the least, actually, I take it as a compliment! ;o)

Thanks for playin...

  • 1 vote
#1.11 - Wed Mar 23, 2011 9:17 AM EDT

#1.10 - Wed Mar 23, 2011 4:53 AM PDT

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

As usual, you have it backwards Jerk-Off Joey!

Gee Feisty, doesn't that qualify you for violating the rule of this site? Are you going to be suspended again? I doubt it for they need you nasy self to add insult to injury.

Keep those insult coming Feisty, you're funny. small minded, but funny.

And how's that ObamaWar going for you ole girl?

  • 1 vote
#1.12 - Mon Apr 11, 2011 5:46 PM EDT
Reply

Hey Feisty - Unfortunately, Americans are very quick to pull the trigger on a fight. Of course anything to get our attention off the fact that they have their hands in both our back pockets!

  • 5 votes
Reply#2 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:41 PM EDT

Of course anything to get our attention off the fact that they have their hands in both our back pockets

HOLLA!! Sister! You know it! ;o)

  • 3 votes
#2.1 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:48 PM EDT
Reply

One thing you can always count on from Dennis Kucinich and his liberatarian counterpart Ron Paul--no funding for any military action regardless, never, ever, ever. Anyone wonder why if Congress is so bent out of shape over the UN led humanitarian effort in Libya, why don't they call everyone back to Washington D.C. and reconvene? I trust President Obama and by the time the Congress gets itself back to work, it is highly likely Libya won't even be in the news because the No Fly Zone prep work will be done.

  • 6 votes
Reply#3 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:43 PM EDT

I have always liked Dennis K. He is in for a tough fight in 2012. Redistricting.

As you said Jody, this action by Rep. Kucinich is no surprise. At all.

  • 5 votes
#3.1 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:49 PM EDT

Pat, Boston, MA

I have always liked Dennis K. He is in for a tough fight in 2012. Redistricting.

As you said Jody, this action by Rep. Kucinich is no surprise. At all.

I do like some things about Dennis; however, there are things I don't like. Especially the way he acted during the HCR debate,

How many times is Dennis going to run for President or how many times is he going to further divide the Democratic Party?

So, Kucinich suggests the President should be impeached over Libya, then a day later tries to cash in by appealing for money to get himself re-elected? I bet he'll love FDL/Huff & Puff and Teabagger dollars too; just love it. A penny for his pea-brain dirty, ugly, backstabbing, thoughts. Dirty Politics are not restricted to Chicago. Dennis the hero scratch that Dennis sheep faced scoundrel.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/22/kucinch-critique-turns-into-push-for-funds/

    #3.2 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 6:23 PM EDT

    With the redistricting going on, I don't think Kucinich will have a district for President Obama to visit. :(

      #3.3 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 6:24 PM EDT
      Reply

      It will be interesting to see how many republicans jump on this bandwagon -- especially the ones who completely ignored Representative Kucinich's efforts to impeach George W. Bush.

      Somehow, suddenly, this heretofore weak-kneed traitor, Communist pariah has suddenly become the flagbearer for conservatives.

      Oh, that's right. I forgot. Sarah Palin is out of the country showing off her own foreign policy credentials.

      http://www.theindiasite.com/presidential-would-be-sarah-palin-expounds-her-philosophy-to-india/

      I'm sure she would be leading the way, if only she were here.

      LoL This gets better and better and better.

      • 3 votes
      Reply#4 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:44 PM EDT

      LoL I just heard that Senator Cornyn said Obama treated Congress like a potted plant.

      That might be because Congress has been just about as effective as a potted plant for about the past 16 years.

      • 2 votes
      #4.1 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 2:00 PM EDT

      Yawn. Of course, when you lack substance to support your comments, or are just generally confused/suffering from a cranial short-circuit, always spin the issue (regardless of what it is) to blame Sarah Palin. I think that's moved into the number #1 slot in the lib playbook rules.

      The irony is, she just feeds off of such on-going vitriol and general attention. Such is her fuel. If libs simply ignored her, she'd likely fade away, given the general public's fickle attention span...

      • 2 votes
      #4.2 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 4:02 PM EDT
      Reply

      Well Feisty, that is one way to look at the Democratic ammendment. I think he's more interested in having the Congress make declarations rather than President Hamlet.

      As for your statement regarding finances, the US is broke, however, a number of libbies disagree with the statement. But take a look at exactly financed the distruction of the American fiscal state: the last congress of spending democrats, with the current leader of this administration. And when it comes to blowing crap up as you state, Obama must take ownership.

      Now if Hamlet allows American boots-on-the-ground in Libya, it is time to pull the plug on this administration.

      Now Feisty, how does this equate to what Bushie did? If memory is correct, didn't Bush first ask the Congress for their consent and approval prior to hostilities? Did Hamlet do the same?

      • 8 votes
      Reply#5 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:47 PM EDT

      Ah, classic Kucinich. He's like the Rand Paul of the left - party leadership lets both of them throw their tantrums and carry on only so that Rand/Dennis would stop tugging at their legs asking for floor time.

      • 4 votes
      Reply#6 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:48 PM EDT

      Perhaps you meant Kucinich and Ron Paul. Rand is a do nothing hanger on capitalizing on his father's good name.

      The thing about both of them is that they always stand by what they believe in. It doesn't matter what audience they are in front of or who they are speaking too. I like that. The so called normal politicians and pundits trivialize and ridicule them. People can call them crazy, unrealistic but at least they stand for something and don't leave every decision to political machinations and polling.

      As a liberal obviously I like Dennis Kucinich. I also have respect for Rep. Paul, I don't agree with perhaps 90% of his economic policies but have found some common ground in his foreign and civil liberty policy ideas.

      • 1 vote
      #6.1 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 2:33 PM EDT
      Reply

      Politics for 500.00

      Dazed and Confused.

      • 2 votes
      Reply#7 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:48 PM EDT

      What is everyone else but you and me?

      • 2 votes
      #7.1 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 2:04 PM EDT

      Correct answer is:

      Who is Sara Palin.

        #7.2 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 3:52 PM EDT
        Reply

        Ralph Nader is correct - obama is a war crimnial

        • 2 votes
        Reply#8 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 2:20 PM EDT

        new liar in chief same as the old liar in chief

        • 3 votes
        Reply#9 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 2:21 PM EDT

        Tell the truth Dennis ... your pissed because the republicians abolished your district ..And no one but you cares !

          Reply#10 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 2:34 PM EDT

          oil oil oil..!!!!!!!!!!!........oil oil oil........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

          go dennis go!!!!!!!!!! do everything to stop the next illegal war that makes 3 illegal wars now!!

          america....die die die....!!!!!!!!!!... obama wants you to pay pay pay!!!!! and die and never be heard!!

          70% of americans oppose this action going into libya.....making a new war.....!!

          congress has and 11 % approval rate...........

          obama asked every country in the world at the un to endorse thie war.....except ours!!........he never asked .........

          1 member in the congress in our country......!! not any one!!

          ............obama rotton dictator!"! liar!!!! war monger!!!!!!!

          • 1 vote
          Reply#11 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 3:06 PM EDT

          This is too subtle for the First Read venue...

          You got something to say?

          SAY IT!

          • 1 vote
          #11.1 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 3:39 PM EDT
          Reply

          oil oil oil..!!!!!!!!!!!........oil oil oil........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

          go dennis go!!!!!!!!!! do everything to stop the next illegal war that makes 3 illegal wars now!!

          america....die die die....!!!!!!!!!!... obama wants you to pay pay pay!!!!! and die and never be heard!!

          70% of americans oppose this action going into libya.....making a new war.....!!

          congress has and 11 % approval rate...........

          obama asked every country in the world at the un to endorse thie war.....except ours!!........he never asked .........

          1 member in the congress in our country......!! not any one!!

          ............obama rotton dictator!"! liar!!!! war monger!!!!!!!

            Reply#12 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 3:07 PM EDT

            You need to post that a few more times, you haven't used italics or bold with italics or all caps.

              #12.1 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 6:26 PM EDT
              Reply

              There's so much that's unspeakable in US politics and everything else in America these days, no wonder there's almost no representation on major issues. People are afraid to speak about them, lest they wind up on some blacklist, or worse. The fact is, many things that really affect people are seen as too risky to deal with, except in jest. Why have an anti-war movement if the Executive Branch including the Secretary of State can eliminate representative government from decision making about new military actions. Permanent war becomes divorced from the will of the American People. So why is the US military and Secretary Clinton insisting upon democracy in Tunesia and Egypt, but not in the US?

              • 1 vote
              Reply#13 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 3:12 PM EDT

              It is now time for diplomacy and negotiations to bring about a peaceful resolution to the Libyan conflict.

              Each night that the planes fly and the misiles rain on western Libya, the more we create enemies among die-hard Ghadafi supporters. We have to understand that at least 30% of the the population may be firmly behind Ghadafi. (Even Satan had 1/3 of the Angels supporting him in his rebellion against God - we are told).

              The little I know about military tactics tells me the rebels cannot take back any town from Ghadafi's troops unless they shell the town with motars, artillery and arial bombardment to dislodge the troops. That must be the reason Ghadafi was shelling the towns in the first place and our millitary brass should know this.

              Are we going to supply the rebels howtwizers to bombard the towns under Ghadafi control, killing inumerable civilians in the process? The coalition willl break down within 1 week. It is now time to quickly broker a deal with Ghadafi now that his back is against the wall so that he can relinquish power without the threat of imprisonment or execution. Idi Amin killed far, far more people than Ghadafi and yet we allowed him to live to ripe old age in exile in Saudi Arabia.

              If we don't seize the opportunity now no one can tell where this war will lead to.

                Reply#14 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 4:14 PM EDT

                Very thoughtful and well written.

                I only hope you are correct and they do move to having a brokered peace.

                The only problem I see is that Ghaddafi (or however it is spelled) may be certifiably insane, much like many dictators. The difference between brilliance and insanity is often just a few degrees. If you stay in power too long, the paranoia tends to drive out the sanity.

                  #14.1 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 6:32 PM EDT
                  Reply

                  I just want to let ALL OF YOU writers know that American independence was won with the HELP of the French, and we would never be here if it wasn't for their aid.

                  I see absolutely no difference between the situation in Libya and our American history. It's a moral dilemma, and if nothing is done, thousands will be killed. That's a fact. That kook Qadaffi admitted to it and is currently in the process.

                  Conservative nutjob, or liberal treehugger NEVER forget why we're here. I admire the President for what he's doing. And unlike Bush, there is a clear enemy with real intention to harm. Neither of which was true in Afghanistan or Iraq.

                  This is a chance for democracy to spread. And it's not like the people don't want it. They started it, and we're just helping them get there. It's the American way. Freedom.

                    Reply#15 - Tue Mar 22, 2011 9:46 PM EDT

                    Jbags;

                    Americans died for America, now they risk death or inflect death upon non- American independent countries who didn't harm or threaten the USA.

                    No one can predict the future, not even Obama who points out his futuristic opinions of Libya. People die all the time from oppressive governments, why aren't we there? Why do we buy mass amounts of oil from Libya? What gives the USA authority to force democracy upon any sovereign country? this wasn't the UN's plan. This will create more anti- American plots, let the Arabs take care of the Arabs and correct their moral dilemma and evolve as America did.

                    Maybe you don't remember, but Bush aided Quaite, after they asked, to repale the invasion from Iraq. Now Obama supports the Afghanistan effort, even increases troops. By the way how do you know this is what the Libyan people want? or maybe your crystal ball is linked with Obamas.

                      #15.1 - Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:35 AM EDT
                      Reply

                      He that lieth down with Dogs, shall rise up with Fleas.

                      - Benjamin Franklin

                        Reply#16 - Thu Mar 24, 2011 5:49 PM EDT

                        Since this is not technically an act of war and instead a UN sanctioned peacekeeping operation the President doesn't have to consult Congress before deploying conventional military forces.

                        Personally I think Congress wants something to b*tch about.

                          Reply#17 - Fri Mar 25, 2011 9:54 AM EDT
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