White House tells Congress to Chill on Libya

There is arguably nothing more dangerous to American forces in the field then when the civilian politicians start playing politics with their lives -- and in a very polite way that is what some folks accused House Speaker John Boehner of doing today with the war in Libya.

Boehner (R-Ohio) has gone on the record with his support for the the Libyan mission, yet still sent Obama a letter today, arguing that after Sunday the President will be in violation of the War Powers Act of 1973.

"Either you have concluded the War Powers Resolution does not apply to the mission in Libya or you have determined the War Powers Resolution is contrary to the Constitution," Boehner wrote. "The House and the American people whom we represent deserve to know the determination you have made."

The letter was taken for political grandstanding by the White House, which has provided nearly three dozens closed-door briefings and public testimony at several Capitol Hill briefings on Libya. An update on Libya for Congress is expected before Sunday.

“We are in the final stages of preparing extensive information for the House and Senate that will address a whole host of issues about our ongoing efforts in Libya, including those raised in the House resolution as well as our legal analysis with regard to the War Powers Resolution," said White Hiouse national security spokesman Tommy Vietor.

"Since March 1st, administration witnesses have testified at over 10 hearings that included a substantial discussion of Libya and participated in over 30 Member or staff briefings, and we will continue to consult with our congressional colleagues,” Vietor added.

Appearing on CNN's "Situation Room," Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a staunch supporter of the NATO-led Libyan air campaign, politely dismissed the grumbling in Congress as unnecessary and irrelevant.

Obama insists contingency money is in the budget for the Libya campaign, but privately sources close to Obama say he wants to see Gadhafi toppled as soon as possible. Obama is, however, convinced he is on the morally correct side of history on this campaign -- and is even more resolute that Gadhafi will go, or he will go down.