US lawmakers may cut funds for Libya: speaker

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WASHINGTON: Top Republican lawmaker John Boehner hinted at a potential freeze Thursday of funds for US military operations in Libya, saying White House had failed to justify its involvement.

In face of Republican criticism, President Barack Obama insisted in a 30-page report to lawyers Wednesday that the current US military action in Libya was legal.

And the White House argued US participation in the NATO-led assault on Moamer Kadhafi's forces did not require congressional authorization as the US role was only a supporting one.

But Boehner, speaker of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, said he was not satisfied with the administration's arguments.

"The White House says there are no hostilities taking place. Yet we've got drone attacks under way; we're spending $10 million a day; we're part of an effort to drop bombs on Kadhafi's compounds," he told reporters.

"It just doesn't pass the straight face test, in my view, that we're not in the midst of hostilities."

Asked what options faced lawmakers, Boehner said: "The House has options. We're looking at those options, and my guess is that next week we may be prepared to move on those options.

"But the ultimate option is the House, in fact the Congress has the power of the purse. And certainly that is an option as well."

Lawmakers have protested that the White House did not seek congressional approval for US involvement in Libya as set out in 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires direct, offensive warfare to be endorsed by Congress.

"It's been four weeks since the president has talked to the American people about this mission, and I think it's time for the president to outline to the American people why we are there, what the mission is and what our goals are and how do we exit this," Boehner added.

But the White House argued congressional approval was not needed.

"US forces are playing a constrained and supporting role in a multinational coalition," the White House report said.

It noted that the use of force was being used solely to protect civilians, enforce a no-fly zone and an arms embargo.

"US operations do not involve sustained fighting or active exchanges of fire with hostile forces, nor do they involve the presence of US ground troops, US casualties or a serious threat thereof, or any significant chance of escalation into a conflict characterized by those factors," the report said. (AFP)