Several Democrats on Capitol Hill on Thursday rebuked President Biden for launching airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen without Congressional approval, arguing the action was unconstitutional.
“The president needs to come to Congress before he launches an attack against the Houthis in Yemen and drags us into another Middle East conflict.” Congressman Ro Khanna tweeted. “That's Article 1 of the Constitution. I support that regardless of whether we have a Democrat or a Republican in the White House.”
“Section 2C of the War Powers Act is clear: the president may initiate hostilities against the United States only after Congressional authorization or in the event of a national emergency in which the United States is under imminent attack. ” continued the California Democrat. “Coverage is not a substitute. This is a retaliatory offensive attack.”
Rep. Val Hoyle (D-Oregon) echoes Khanna. tweeted“These airstrikes were not authorized by Congress. The Constitution is clear: Congress has the sole authority to authorize military involvement in foreign conflicts. All presidents, regardless of party, must first come to Congress. military approval must be sought.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called the U.S.- and British-led bombing campaign an “unacceptable constitutional violation.”
“Article 1 requires military action to be authorized by Congress,” she said. further explained.
Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) expressed concern that Biden's actions in Yemen could put the United States “at risk of being drawn into another decades-long conflict without Congressional authorization.” did.
“The White House must work with Congress before continuing airstrikes in Yemen.” he urged.
Rep. Cori Bush (R-Missouri), a member of the far-left “squad” of members of Congress, called the bombings “illegal” and implored the 81-year-old president to “stop them and do better.” did. ”
“The people don't want any more of our tax dollars spent on endless wars and killing civilians.” she tweeted.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), who has previously accused Biden of supporting “genocide” against Palestinians, also condemned the Yemen offensive.
“The American people are tired of endless wars.” she tweetedargued that the airstrike was unconstitutional.
The attack on Yemen follows a series of drone and missile attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis on transport ships in the Red Sea.
“The United States has a special historical obligation to protect and protect the arteries of global trade and commerce,” a senior administration official told reporters Thursday.
“And this action is very much in line with that tradition. It is clearly reflected in both the National Security Strategy and the Defense Strategy. This is a key belief of the President and one that we are prepared to defend. It’s a commitment.”
