President Obama sent this letter to Congress

The White House,office of the Press Secretary:Release March,21,2011.   Dear Mr. Speaker:[Dear Mr.President:]  At approximately 3:pm Eastern time Daylight time,on March 21,2011,at my direction,U.S.Military forces commence operation to assist an international effort authorized by the United Nation{U.N.}Security Council and undertaken with the support of European allies and Arab partners,to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and address the threat posed to international peace and security by the crisis in Libya,as part of the multilateral response authorized under U.N.Security Council Resolution 1973,U.S.Africa Command,began a series of strikes against air dense systems and military airfields.For the purposes of preparing a no-fly zone.These strikes will be limited in their nature,duration,and scope.Their purpose is to support an International Coalition as it takes all necessary measures to enforce the terms of U.N.Security Council Resolution 1973.These limited U.S. action will set coalition partners.                         United Nation Security Council Resolution 1973,authorized Member States,under Chapter vii of the U.N. civilians and civilian populated areas under threat off attack in Libya,.United States military efforts are discrete and focused on employing unique U.S. military capabilities to set the conditions of our European Allies and Arab Partners to carry out the measures.Authorized by the U.N.Security Council Resolution.   Muammar Qaddafi,was provided a very clear message that a cease-fire must be implemented immediately.The international community made clear that all attacks against civilians had to stop.   Qaddafi ,had to stop his forces from advancing on Benghazi;pull them back from Ajdabiya,Misrata,and Muawiya;and establish water,electricity,and gas supplies to all areas.Finally,humanitarian assistance had to be allowed to reach the people of Libya,.  Although Qaddafi's Foreign Minister,announced an immediate cease-fire,Qaddafi,and his forces made no attempt to implement such a cease-fire,and instead continued attacks on Misrata,and advanced on Benghazi,.Qaddafi's, continued attacks and threats against civilians and  civilian n populated areas of grave concern to neighboring Arab Nation and expressly stated in U.N.Security Council Resolution 1973,constitute  a threat to the region and to international peace and security.His illegitimate use of force not only is causing the deaths of substantial numbers of civilians among his own people,but also is forcing many others to flee to neighboring countries,their by destabilizing the peace and security of the region.Left unaddressed,the growing instability in Libya,could ignite wider instability in the Middle East,with dangerous consequences to the national security interests of the United States.Qaddafi's,defiance of the Arab League,as well as broader international community moreover,represent a lawless challenge to the authority of the Security Council and its efforts to preserve stability in the region.Qaddafi,has forfeited his responsibility to protect his own citizens and created a serious need for immediate humanitarian assistance and protection,with any delay only putting more civilians at risk.    The United States has not deployed ground forces into Libya,.  United States forces are conducting a limited and well defined mission in support of international efforts to protect civilians and prevent a humanitarian disaster,accordingly,U.S.Forces have targeted the Qaddafi,regime's air defense systems,command and control structures,and other capabilities of  Qaddafi's armed forces used to attack civilians and civilian populated areas,we will seek a rapid,but responsible,transition of operations of coalition,regional,or international organizations that are postured to continue activities as may be necessary to realize the objectives of U.N.Security Council Resolution 1970 and 1973.  For these purposes,I have directed these action,which are in the national security and foreign policy interests of The United States,pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S.Foreign relation and as commander in the Chief and Chief Executive.      I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the Congress fully informed,consistent with the War Power Resolution.I appreciate the support of the Congress in this action.     sign  Barack Obama