Washington, Jun 20 (AP) Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he believes President Barack Obama isn't required to seek congressional authorization for the US military operation in Libya.
Some lawmakers say Obama is violating the War Powers Resolution. They say he needs Congress' approval to continue to participate in NATO-led airstrikes supporting rebels seeking the ouster of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.
House Speaker John Boehner has scoffed at Obama's argument that the US isn't engaged in hostilities as defined by the law. The New York Times has reported that Obama accepted the view of his legal team and rejected the analysis of top lawyers at the Pentagon and Justice Department that he needed congressional approval.
Gates tells "Fox News Sunday" that Obama is complying with the law in a way that's consistent with other presidents.