Kucinich Demands Public Debate of Libyan War: Classified Briefings Undermine Democratic Process

Washington D.C. (June 1, 2011) – Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today made the following statement after the announcement of an Administration-sponsored classified briefing for Members of Congress regarding the war in Libya. The announcement of the briefing follows within hours of House Leadership postponing a debate on ending the war.

“Washington has become a cynical place, but rarely do we see manipulation for war as nakedly as we do today.

“The House of Representatives had been scheduled to debate and vote on a resolution to end the war in Libya this week. At the last moment, the debate was pulled and delayed, ostensibly to gather more information from the Administration.

“I fully agree that the American people need more information about why we are in Libya and what our goals there are. We are now three months into the war and have yet to have an open discussion. Hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars later, the Administration offers a classified briefing instead of an open discussion. What are they afraid of?

“In the wake of an Iraq war based on lies and manufactured intelligence, the American people and, in particular, the journalists who provide them with information must not stand for war conjured in private. It is not sufficient for the Administration to declare war absent a constitutionally required declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force and tell Congress and the American people to ‘trust us.’

“A classified briefing in lieu of an open debate is an affront to the American people and to the very concept of open government.

“I intend to continue working with Republican leadership and the White House to make public as much information as possible before a vote on my bill, H.Con.Res.51, to end the war in Libya, but I will not accept secret assurances.”