White House officials deny criticism by some lawmakers - both Republicans and members of Obama's own Democratic Party - that the president did not seek congressional authorization or adequately consult with lawmakers before embarking on the military action.

Some critics contend that Obama did not exhaust all diplomatic options before calling out the military. They also say the U.S. cannot afford the cost of the conflict, and that the nation should not be taking on a mission Libya, when it is already involved in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The White House says urgent and quick action was needed in Libya and the president was well within his constitutional authority to take military action.

The U.S. is transferring leadership of the operation to NATO. Obama said this is how the international community should work, with more countries assuming the responsibility and cost of the effort.

"Our allies and partners are enforcing the no-fly zone over Libya and the arms embargo at sea," said the president. "Key Arab partners like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have committed aircraft. And as agreed this week, responsibility for this operation is being transferred from the United States to our NATO allies and partners."

Obama briefed bipartisan congressional leaders Friday about the situation in Libya and transfer of command and control. The president will explain the mission to the American people in an address from the White House late Monday.