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Libya is enduring a political upheaval over the last few months. Opposition groups to Muammar al Qadhafi and the current Libyan government are revolting, as an attempt to bring an end to the authoritarian political system. The Libyan government's use of force against civilians (and opposition forces) sparked an international outcry and led the United Nations Security Council to adopt Resolution 1973, which authorizes "all necessary measures" to protect Libyan civilians. The United States military is participating in Operation Unified Protector, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military operation to enforce the resolution. Regardless of its outcome, Libya's weak government, potentially divisive political dynamics, and current conflict suggest that security challenges could follow the current uprising.
I am an advocate of the seven principles of a just war which are not, in my opinion, theologically present in the military policy relating to Libya. As a Member of Congress, however; I can understand the position that President Obama was in to protect the Libyan people in order to prevent a potential genocide. We cannot afford another Iraq or Afghanistan war, and I firmly believe that the President fully understands that.
I voted for H.J. Res. 68, Congressman Hastings's resolution, which authorizes our continuing action in Libya, while insisting that Congress oppose the deployment of American ground troops. This measure failed, 123 to 295. And I voted against H.R. 2278, the resolution offered by Congressman Rooney, which would cut off funds for American military action in Libya, and would significantly undermine NATO's mission. This measure also failed, 180-238.
The Drawdown
I am pleased that we will begin to bring our troops home from Afghanistan next month and I applaud President Obama for taking a positive first step towards a responsible ending of the war. All of us are grateful for the sacrifices our troops have made over the past ten years and for the sacrifices they continue to make. I look forward to their safe return home.
We recognize that it is in our country's best interest to ensure that the region remains stable. Their stability should not be at the expense of thousands of American lives and billions of dollars. It is time for the Afghan government to stand independently.
It is also time for us to focus on our nation's greatest asset as President Obama mentioned; our people. It is time that we focus on nation building at home.
The Election Assistance Commission
This week, in the House, we considered H.R. 672, the Terminating the Election Assistance Commission bill. I voted against this bill, and I was pleased to see many of my colleagues did as well. The motion failed. The vote was 235-187, but needed 2/3 to pass. Voting is one of the fundamental rights that define us as Americans. It is a right that many of us have fought for, and will continue to fight for. After the embarrassment of the 2000 Presidential election, where millions of votes were not counted or counted inaccurately, Congress pledged to restore America's faith in our electoral system. By passing the Help America Vote Act, we took concrete steps in improving our voting system. The Help America Vote Act created the Election Assistance Commission, and tasked this commission with overseeing federal financial contributions to upgrade state voting systems and with developing statewide voter registration databases.
The Federal Election Commission's mission is "administering and enforcing federal campaign finance laws." Testing and certifying voting machines does not and should not be conducted by the same entity that manages money in politics. Abolishing the EAC would simply shift costs to the FEC and local governments, not save money, while creating an invitation to repeat the mistakes that blemished our democracy in 2000.
Fundamental to our democracy is that we have free and fair elections, that every vote is counted, that every American be permitted to vote, and that's what this commission is about. The bill was opposed by a range of public interest groups, including the League of Women Voters, Public Citizen and National Association of Latino Appointed and Elected Officials (NALEO).
Whether it is by testing voting machines, or conducting legitimate research on elections, the work being done by the EAC is essential in ensuring fairness in the American electorate. This bill would have eliminated the Election Assistance Commission, shifting many of these responsibilities to the unprepared Federal Election Commission. H.R. 672 would not have saved us any money. All it would do is move these costs to local communities and the FEC. It was not until 1920 that women were given the right to vote in our country. The African American community spent over a century fighting for their vote. Without the ability to vote, the voices of Americans, of my constituents, are silenced. Yet even after the improvements made by the Help America Vote Act, our election system remains imperfect. The 2000 Presidential Election shined a glaring light on our faulty electorate, and now is not the time to back away. We must continue to fight for members of all communities to have fair and reasonable access to voting systems. Eliminating the Election Assistance Commission would have done nothing but take us backwards in this fight.
The Green Impact Zone
In case you missed it, I was on Steve Kraske's Up to Date with Anita Maltbia, the Administrator of the Green Impact Zone.
"Kansas City's "Green Impact Zone" was billed as a grand experiment in using federal funds. Much of Kansas City's stimulus money was to be concentrated in this 150 block zone, for maximum impact, transforming a run-down neighborhood into a model of economic and environmental sustainability. On the show we look in on just how well that's working."
Congratulations Jeremy
It is an honor to announce that one of my constituents, Jeremy Terman, was recognized this week, with the prestigious Congressional Award, on Thursday, June 23, 2011. Jeremy has taken up the challenge, by volunteering over 400 hours in his community and setting personal and physical goals that expanded his views, knowledge and abilities.
Earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal requires immense dedication and determination. The award is Congress' way of recognizing these young people's outstanding achievements. Jeremy spent an incredible amount of time and energy earning the credentials for the award, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with him and offer my congratulations in person.
To earn the Congressional Gold Medal, participants must complete at least 400 hours of community service, 200 hours of personal development activities, 200 hours of physical fitness activities and a four-night expedition during a two-year period. Participants must be between the ages of 14 and 23.
Congress established the Congressional Award in 1979 as a way to recognize outstanding commitment, service and achievement in young Americans. The non-partisan award was originally signed into law (Public Law 96-114) by President Jimmy Carter.
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Emanuel Cleaver, II
Member of Congress
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