IA 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. J. RES. 74 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 26, 2011 Mr. Smith of Washington (for himself, Mr. Hoyer, Mr. Dicks, and Mr. Berman) introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned JOINT RESOLUTION Authorizing the limited use of the United States Armed Forces in support of the NATO mission in Libya.

1.

Authorization for the limited use of United States Armed Forces in Libya

(a)

Authority

The President is authorized to continue the limited use of the United States Armed Forces in Libya, in support of United States national security policy interests, as part of the NATO mission to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 (2011) as requested by the Transitional National Council, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Arab League. (b)

Expiration of authority

The authorization for such limited use of United States Armed Forces in Libya expires on the date on which the NATO mission described in subsection (a) ends or 180 days after the date of the enactment of this joint resolution, whichever occurs first. (c)

Specific statutory authorization

Consistent with section 8(a)(1) of the War Powers Resolution, Congress declares that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution.

2.

Opposition to the use of United States ground troops

The President is not authorized to deploy, establish, or maintain the presence of units of the United States Armed Forces on the ground in Libya under section 1 unless the purpose of the presence is limited to— (1)the immediate personal defense or rescue of United States Government personnel (including diplomatic representatives); (2)rescuing members of NATO forces from imminent danger; or (3)the provision of humanitarian aid or assistance to the people of Libya.

3.

Reports to Congress

The President shall consult frequently with Congress regarding United States efforts in Libya, including by providing regular briefings and reports as requested, and responding to inquiries promptly. Such briefings and reports shall include the following elements: (1)An updated description of United States national security interests in Libya. (2)An updated statement of United States policy objectives in Libya, both during and after Qaddafi’s rule, and a detailed plan to achieve them. (3)An updated and comprehensive list of the activities of the United States Armed Forces in Libya. (4)An updated and detailed assessment of the groups in Libya that are opposed to the Qaddafi regime, including potential successor governments. (5)A full and updated explanation of the President’s legal and constitutional rationale for conducting military operations in Libya consistent with the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.).