Senate plan for Libya

As expected, the Foreign Relations Committee yesterday approved, 14-5, the Kerry-McCain joint resolution authorizing U.S. participation in operations against Libya for one year after enactment. The Senators did approve three amendments: specifically barring the use of ground troops; prohibiting using contractors for military operations; and declaring that the American activities constitute "hostilities" under the War Powers Act. Those were minor concessions that seem to reflect the current Senate consensus.

Timing of any Senate floor votes is highly uncertain, not least because the Senate is heading toward a long Independence Day recess from July 1-11.