Cohen Votes to Oppose Deployment of Ground Troops in Libya

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today issued the following statement after voting for the adoption of his amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by the U.S. House of Representatives. The amendment prevents funds authorized in the NDAA from being used to deploy, establish, or maintain a presence of Members of the Armed Services or private security contractors on Libyan territory. The amendment was adopted by a vote of 416-5.

“American troops do not belong in Libya,” said Congressman Cohen. “Our bipartisan measure prohibits funds from being used to deploy, establish or maintain American troops on Libyan soil. More than enough of our men and women in uniform are in harm’s way in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our country can neither afford nor justify sending ground troops into Libya. This legislation guarantees no American boots touch the ground in Libya unless we are rescuing soldiers participating in the NATO no-fly zone operation.”