Washington, DC – Lawmakers expressed strong reactions on Thursday to President Joe Biden’s decision to launch retaliatory strikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen without seeking prior congressional approval.
The strikes, the first significant U.S. military response to the group’s attacks on commercial ships since the Israel-Hamas war began, were justified by the Biden administration as self-defense in accordance with the UN Charter, supported by the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, and Australia.
Critics argued that the move violated Article 1 of the Constitution, requiring congressional authorization for military action. While Biden notified Congress, he did not seek its approval.
Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), chair of the Progressive Caucus, labeled it an “unacceptable violation of the Constitution.” Progressives Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) decried “endless war” and deemed Biden’s actions unconstitutional.
Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) emphasized the need for congressional approval, stating, “The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen.” Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) agreed, asserting that “the Constitution matters, regardless of party affiliation.”
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) welcomed the strikes but criticized the overdue use of force. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) appreciated the administration’s action but deemed it overdue. Other Republicans, including Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), supported the decision, emphasizing the importance of force in dealing with radical Islamic groups.
In summary, the response to Biden’s strikes on the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen was met with a mix of criticism and support, with concerns raised about constitutional violations and the timing of the military action.
