Date    March 17, 2011                                                                                 (202) 225-4121

Chairman Rogers Supports Action in Libya

Statement by Chairman Mike Rogers

Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Mike Rogers, today released a statement following President Obama’s announcement on Libya.

“I support the President’s announcement today.  Though I have been calling for a “no fly zone” for weeks, we are now moving forward, and America is demonstrating leadership .

“Bipartisan Congressional leaders met with the President at the White House today to hear his plan, and I like what I heard.  It is in America’s strategic interest to support regional stability, and to prevent the use or diversion of Libya’s large chemical weapons stockpile while allowing those who aspire to be free a chance to have their legitimate grievances heard.  I was glad to hear that the President’s plan puts the US military in a supporting role, and that no U.S. ground troops will be deployed.

“In the end, any change of government in Libya will have to come at the hands of the Libyan people.  Surely the world would be a better place without Qaddafi’s regime in power, but we need to be careful to avoid a course that creates stalemate and a failed state on the Mediterranean.  We don’t want to find another Somalia only a short boat ride away from Europe.”

Chairman's Statement