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Baucus: US can't afford to be involved in Libya

HELENA — Montana's congressional delegation is criticizing President Barack Obama's decision to involve the U.S. military in Libya, but only Democratic Sen. Max Baucus will say outright that he opposes American intervention in the conflict.

Baucus said in a statement Friday the U.S. can't afford to be involved in another prolonged conflict with the nation facing record deficits and the resources needed by troops already in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I have deep concerns about the clarity of the mission in Libya, and I continue to oppose U.S. involvement in this war," Baucus said.

The other two members of the delegation, Democratic Sen. Jon Tester and Republican Rep. Denny Rehberg, say they are concerned with the lack of clarity in the mission but they won't go as far to say they oppose U.S. involvement.

Rehberg is challenging Tester for his seat in the 2012 election. Baucus doesn't face re-election until 2014.

In response to queries by The Associated Press, both Rehberg and Tester released statements saying they want Obama to clarify the purpose of the mission, the costs and an exit plan.

All three members of the delegation were careful to say their criticism was directed toward the decision and implementation of the attacks, not toward the troops carrying them out.

NATO has agreed to take control of the no-fly zone over Libya imposed by the U.N. Security Council. But American sea and airpower continue to be used against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces and air defense systems.

Obama planned to hold a conference call with congressional leaders Friday after lawmakers criticized him for not working with them before making the decision to involve U.S. troops and for a lack of clear goals for the mission.

Baucus underlined that point Friday, saying "there needs to be close consultation with Congress before committing the U.S. military to conflict."

Rehberg and Tester offered similar comments to one another.

"Are we there to protect the Libyan people? Are we trying to remove Gadhafi? Or is our goal something else? The lack of information about mission costs and exit plan is a serious concern," Rehberg said in his statement to the AP.

Tester said it was "unacceptable" so many questions were left unanswered before the firing began.

"I'm looking for the president to communicate clear goals, an exit plan and exactly what this will cost American taxpayers," Tester said.

HELENA — Montana's congressional delegation is criticizing President Barack Obama's decision to involve the U.S. military in Libya, but only Democratic Sen. Max Baucus will say outright that he opposes American intervention in the conflict.

Baucus said in a statement Friday the U.S. can't afford to be involved in another prolonged conflict with the nation facing record deficits and the resources needed by troops already in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I have deep concerns about the clarity of the mission in Libya, and I continue to oppose U.S. involvement in this war," Baucus said.

The other two members of the delegation, Democratic Sen. Jon Tester and Republican Rep. Denny Rehberg, say they are concerned with the lack of clarity in the mission but they won't go as far to say they oppose U.S. involvement.

Rehberg is challenging Tester for his seat in the 2012 election. Baucus doesn't face re-election until 2014.

In response to queries by The Associated Press, both Rehberg and Tester released statements saying they want Obama to clarify the purpose of the mission, the costs and an exit plan.

All three members of the delegation were careful to say their criticism was directed toward the decision and implementation of the attacks, not toward the troops carrying them out.

NATO has agreed to take control of the no-fly zone over Libya imposed by the U.N. Security Council. But American sea and airpower continue to be used against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces and air defense systems.

Obama planned to hold a conference call with congressional leaders Friday after lawmakers criticized him for not working with them before making the decision to involve U.S. troops and for a lack of clear goals for the mission.

Baucus underlined that point Friday, saying "there needs to be close consultation with Congress before committing the U.S. military to conflict."

Rehberg and Tester offered similar comments to one another.

"Are we there to protect the Libyan people? Are we trying to remove Gadhafi? Or is our goal something else? The lack of information about mission costs and exit plan is a serious concern," Rehberg said in his statement to the AP.

Tester said it was "unacceptable" so many questions were left unanswered before the firing began.

"I'm looking for the president to communicate clear goals, an exit plan and exactly what this will cost American taxpayers," Tester said.

 

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