Harrison Township, MI – U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) today made the following statement on the situation in Libya:

“I agree with President Obama that the world would be a better place without Qaddafi leading Libya and the Libyan civil war was causing a humanitarian crisis. The same story could be told in many countries across the globe where dictatorial regimes inflict brutality on and murder innocent civilians. President Obama said he did not want to wait to see images of slaughter and mass graves before taking action, however, since President Obama took office such pictures have emerged from places like the Congo and Darfur yet President Obama did not advocate for military intervention. The important question that the President did not clearly state is where he draws the line.

“He also did not state a clear vital national interest that is at stake in Libya. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said on Sunday that there were no vital national interests at stake in Libya. I agree with Secretary Gates. I also believe strongly that President Obama had a responsibility to first receive the positive support from the American people and the United States Congress before taking action. The support of international bodies and allies are no replacement for the support of the people of this nation and the Congress. The President’s address tonight left many questions unanswered and it is my sincere hope that he will begin to engage Congress so that we can be certain that we are taking appropriate action.”

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