Rebel fighters in Libya have made advances in the country’s eastern and western regions amidst new NATO air strikes near the Tripoli compound of Col. Muammar Gaddafi. Gaddafi’s forces were forced to retreat from the western town of Kikla, while rebels in the east continue to fight for the strategic oil town of Brega. The Republican-controlled House, meanwhile, has passed a measure that would bar funding for the U.S. role in the attack on Libya. The funding ban was attached to a military appropriations bill that awaits a full vote. Critics have accused President Obama of violating the War Powers Act by failing to obtain congressional approval for the Libya operation after 60 days.