Washington • Utah's Republican members of Congress aren't sure President Barack Obama should have sent the U.S. military into action in Libya and want the commander in chief to more fully explain to the American people why the attack was necessary.

"I'm deeply disturbed by the fact the president didn't come to Congress to seek authorization," Sen. Mike Lee said Tuesday, noting it was akin to an act of war and only Congress has the power to declare that.

"Different people have different interpretations of the word war. Some could argue that this is war and I don't think they'd be demonstrably wrong if they did that. And I think it's important when they're dedicating American lives and the resources of the U.S. military that the president ought to come and say this is what I'm doing, I need your support and ask for it."

Obama did consult with Republican and Democratic leaders of Congress on Friday before the U.S. military became involved in establishing a no-fly zone Saturday. Congress has not officially declared war since World War II.

Lee, however, wasn't the only member of Utah's federal delegation irked at the president sending the U.S. military into conflict without a congressional debate.

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, was quick to label the president's action as wrong. Taking to Twitter on Saturday, as the missile strikes began, Chaffetz blasted the administration.

"We should only use our forces if there is a clear and present danger to the United States of America," Chaffetz said Tuesday. "In this case, I see none."

Like Lee, Chaffetz says Obama should have sought out Congress' view, not the United Nations, and he still needs to explain how long America will be involved in the conflict and what "success" will be.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, also criticized the president for not fully briefing Congress.

"Up to this point, the president has not provided real leadership by articulating a well-thought-out strategy, which includes the scope of the mission, the costs and the parameters for achieving success," Hatch said.

Rep. Rob Bishop said he doesn't expect that Obama should consult with every member of Congress on potential military actions and that the president has the power to send in the military when needed.

Bishop noted that using the military to stop a massacre is legitimate but the president will have to explain to the American people what the endgame of the mission is.

Rep. Jim Matheson's office said the Utah Democrat was traveling Tuesday and unavailable for comment.

tburr@sltrib.com

Robert Gehrke and Matt Canham contributed to this story.