Boehner says Obama must seek authorization for Libya operation

House Speaker John Boehner warned the Obama administration Tuesday that it will be in violation of the War Powers Act if the White House fails to seek congressional approval in a matter of days for the U.S. military operation in Libya.

In a letter to President Obama, the speaker said Sunday would be the 90th day since U.S. forces have been engaged militarily in the NATO-led operation, the limit allowed without approval from Congress.

Boehner said many lawmakers are frustrated by the “lack of clarity” about the administration’s strategy in Libya.

Debate in Congress, Boehner wrote, “originated with a lack of genuine consultation prior to commencement of operations and has been further exacerbated by the lack of visibility and leadership from you and your Administration.”

This latest missive comes as the House is about to begin debate the annual defense-spending bill for fiscal 2012.

Earlier this month, the House overwhelmingly approved a resolution requiring the president to report within two weeks on the scope of the mission, a vote that was largely seen as a bipartisan rebuke of the administration’s failure to seek congressional approval for the military effort.

lmascaro@tribune.com