In April, President Obama notified Congress of his unilateral decision for "limited military action" to assist the Libyan people from attacks by the country's leader, Moammar Gadhafi.
To date, Congress has not enacted legislation authorizing military involvement in Libya and the Presidents deadline for this action expired last Friday.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing today to discuss whether Congress must legally sanction further operations in Libya.
Additionally, the House may take up the matter when they continue debate on the Defense Authorization bill. Floor discussion would take place during the amendment process for the bill which is scheduled to be debated today and tomorrow.
Critics argue that the President can only authorize military force in response to direct attacks on Americans or protect them from harm. This would be in keeping with the War Powers Act.
The 1973 law states that military action that had not been previously authorized by Congress must be stopped 60 days after the president first contacts lawmakers about it. Pres. Obama has not directly asked for congressional authorization for the Libyan intervention.