Boehner Says Lawmakers May Seek to Deny Libya Mission Funds

House Speaker John Boehner said President Barack Obama’s explanation of why he can continue the U.S. mission in Libya without lawmakers’ approval “doesn’t pass a straight-face test” and that lawmakers will consider options to constrain the president, including withholding funds.

Boehner, an Ohio Republican, told reporters at his weekly press conference today that lawmakers may use the “power of the purse” in confronting the administration. White House officials said yesterday the Libya mission is being funded from the Pentagon budget and that they didn’t expect to ask Congress for supplemental money.