Ten US congressmen filed a lawsuit against President Barack Obama on Wednesday, arguing he violated the law by not seeking authorization for the US military role in Libya, dpa reported.
The lawsuit claims Obama broke the 1973 War Powers Resolution by not getting approval for the US role in NATO's military intervention in the conflict between Moamer Gaddafi's regime and opposition rebels.
"We believe that the law was violated. We have asked the courts to move to protect the American people from the results of these illegal policies," said Democratic Representative Dennis Kucinich, who is leading the effort that includes Democrats and Republicans.
US presidents have largely ignored the War Powers Resolution, saying it violates the rights afforded to the president under the Constitution. Passed in the aftermath of the conflict in Vietnam, the law obliges the president to seek a congressional endorsement if a military operation extends beyond 60 days. Military action against Libya began March 19.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said Wednesday that Obama has complied with the law by consulting members of Congress on the conflict. Carney said the White House is readying a report to Congress that explains the mission in Libya.
"We have acted in a manner consistent with the War Powers Resolution," Carney said.
The White House report to Congress comes after the House of Representatives passed a measure June 3 demanding the president answer a number of questions about the mission, including the duration of the US combat role and an estimated cost.
The measure gave Obama 14 days to respond, a deadline that arrives Friday.