McCollum Supports Congressional Authorization for Military Operations to Protect Libyan Civilians

Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement regarding the recent House of Representatives' votes on U.S. military operations in Libya.

"Since the beginning of U.S. participation in military operations, I have supported the mission of the international coalition to protect Libyan civilians from atrocities at the hands of Colonel Qaddafi's security forces. Today, I voted to grant Congressional authorization for the limited U.S. role in the current NATO mission for a defined period of time.

"Unfortunately, House Republicans decided to use today's floor debate on this important matter of national security to criticize our Commander-in-Chief. This political theater undermines U.S. credibility and does nothing to protect the lives of innocent Libyan civilians. America's credibility and the lives of countless innocent civilians are on the line. This is not the time to play politics."

Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.

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