Two leading U.S. senators have introduced a resolution that would limit the role of the U.S. military in Libya.

Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry of Massachusetts, a Democrat, and John McCain of Arizona, the senior Republican on the Armed Services Committee, spoke about the measure on the Senate floor Tuesday.

McCain said the resolution would authorize President Barack Obama to remain part of the international coalition challenging Moammar Gadhafi. But the authority would be limited to a year.

McCain defended the U.S. intervention in Libya but disagreed with Mr. Obama's decision to order the military operations three months ago without congressional approval. The decision has angered both Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate.

Some members of the U.S. House of Representatives are trying to cut off funding for the operation.