Congress divided over Libya

WASHINGTON - Key senators on Tuesday urged giving the White House the authority for a one-year, limited mission in Libya, but sentiment was growing in the House to cut off the effort's funding.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry, D-Mass., who proposed the one-year measure, argued that not supporting efforts such as those of the Libyan rebels would "be ignorant, irresponsible and shortsighted and dangerous for our country."

He and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., President Obama's 2008 Republican opponent, are pushing a measure that would authorize the use of U.S. armed forces "to advance national security interests in Libya as part of the international coalition" that's involved in that country.

And, the resolution says, "Congress does not support deploying, establishing or maintaining the presence of units and members of the United States Armed Forces on the ground in Libya unless the purpose of the presence is limited to the immediate personal defense of United States Government officials ... or to rescuing members of NATO forces from imminent danger."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the Senate probably could pass the measure.

But in the House, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., had a different view. "Our members are frustrated over the president's action, his lack of positing a clear vision and mission," he said.

Possible House action, including denying funds for the operation as part of a defense-spending bill that's expected to be considered beginning Thursday, was being discussed.

Congressional unease has been building since the United States joined NATO forces three months ago to try to oust Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

The White House argued last week that it didn't need Congress' authorization since no American lives were at risk. The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires the president to get congressional approval within 60 days after hostilities begin, extendable to 90 if the president certifies military necessity in writing.

Kerry supported the White House line, saying, "The fact is that just because hostilities are taking place and we are supporting people engaged in those hostilities does not mean that we are ourselves, in fact, introducing troops into hostilities."

Cantor wasn't buying that argument.

"Turn on the TV and see bunkers being blown up. That would indicate hostilities," he said.

The agency also lifted sanctions on Tuesday against Shukri Mohammed Ghanem, a former Libyan oil minister and former chairman of the state-owned National Oil Corp. of Libya. His defection in May was a blow to the regime, and the Obama administration hopes that lifting sanctions against him will encourage others to follow suit.

"Our sanctions are intended to prevent harm and change behavior," said Adam Szubin, the director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control. "To the extent that sanctioned individuals distance themselves from the Gadhafi regime, these measures can be lifted."