OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Letter to President Obama

Letter

Date: Oct. 22, 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Taxes Foreign Aid

Chief Deputy Whip Peter Welch (D-Vt.) is urging President Obama to ensure the American taxpayer is reimbursed for the cost of America's participation in the NATO mission in Libya. The U.S. has spent an estimated $2 billion on the mission to date.

In a letter to Obama, Welch writes, "We believe it is essential that Libya reimburse the American taxpayer for the cost of our participation in the NATO mission. While the National Transitional Council needs time and Libyan resources to establish itself and stabilize the country, we believe reimbursement can be structured with realistic terms and over a reasonable timeframe so that it does not impair the success of a free and stable Libya."

Welch will be securing support for the letter from House colleagues early next week.

The full text of Welch's letter is copied below.

Dear Mr. President,

The United States played a significant role in the liberation of Libya from the tyranny of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi. The Libyan people are now free to determine their future.

According to Vice President Biden, the cost of America's role in the NATO mission is estimated to be in the range of $2 billion. We believe it is essential that Libya reimburse the American taxpayer for the cost of our participation in the NATO mission. While the National Transitional Council needs time and Libyan resources to establish itself and stabilize the country, we believe reimbursement can be structured with realistic terms and over a reasonable timeframe so that it does not impair the success of a free and stable Libya.

Sincerely,

PETER WELCH
Member of Congress


Source
arrow_upward