U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney Looks to Defund Libya Effort

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta,filed a bill Wednesday to limit funds for U.S. actions in Libya as part of the NATO mission there to prevent civilian casualties and aid rebels as they attempt to overthrow dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

The president has ignored the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution, but he cannot ignore a lack of funding. Only Congress has the power to declare war and the power of the purse, and my bill exercises both of those powers by blocking funds for the war in Libya unless the president receives congressional authorization," said Rooney, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee and Intelligence Committee.

Rooney's bill limits funding of Libya efforts to those explicitly authorized by Congress, but provides exceptions for search and rescue, intelligence gathering, aerial refueling and operational planning.