Nation News in Brief, June 22

Arizona

Wildfires Caused by Illegal Immigrants?

Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), and Congressmen Jeff Flake (Ariz.-06) and Paul Gosar (Ariz.-01) released a joint statement on June 20 about the historic Arizona wildfires in which they blamed some fires on illegal immigrants and expressed sympathy to Arizona residents: “Arizona is currently facing the worst wildfire season in its history. After touring the devastation in eastern Arizona, we would like to express our gratitude to the brave firefighters, first responders, and public lands personnel who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to preserve communities, homes, and our natural habitats. “The legislators stated they had learned from the Forest Service that illegal immigrant campfires caused the blazes and decried people who politicized the disaster.

Roads are closed and people have been evacuated with 527,774 acres on fire. The Wallow fire was 56 percent contained on June 21. According to the Arizona Emergency Network, the fires will sharply increase the risk of flash floods. The National Weather Service said in a statement, “The Wallow Fire burned vast portions of the White Mountains including areas of steep terrain which will make numerous locations vulnerable to flash floods and debris flows even in moderate intensity (10—15 minutes) rains.”

Washington, DC

Senate Authorization for Libya Action

Massachusetts Democrat John Kerry and Arizona Republican John McCain introduced a resolution in the Senate to authorize U.S. involvement in Libya. Kerry said in a statement, “This is a resolution and a debate about what America stands for. Are we willing to stand up for our values and protect our interests? Are we willing to support the legitimate aspirations of the people of Libya? And if not, who could trust us again. McCain said, “And it is time to send a message to our allies, to Gadhafi, and to his opponents in Libya who are fighting for their freedom that there is strong bipartisan support in the Senate, and among the American people, for staying the course in Libya until we succeed.”

The United States joined NATO in airstrikes three months ago on March 19 when it appeared Moammar Gadhafi was about to massacre civilians who opposed his regime. The 1973 War Powers Act requires a president to seek congressional approval 90 days after beginning a military action. The deadline has been widely ignored since the law was passed.

The senators were responding to multiple congressional resolutions questioning U.S. involvement in the North African country, asking for policy statements about it, invoking the War Powers Act, and attempting to cut funding for the action.