On Thursday evening, the United States and the United Kingdom launched a series of airstrikes in Yemen, which sparked international concern regarding the extent to which the strikes will contribute to the escalating regional risk of conflict. Congress has since expressed skepticism regarding Joe Biden’s legal authority to conduct the strikes.
RELATED – U.S. Forces Engage Houthis Targeting “Israel-Connected” Red Sea Vessels
In a statement, Biden said, “Today, at my direction, U.S. military forces—together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands—successfully conducted strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways.”
In retaliation for Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip, the Houthis of Yemen attacked and obstructed commercial vessels bound for or departing from Israeli locations in the Red Sea. Recent weeks have seen the near-total closure of the Israeli port of Eilat due to the attacks.
The Houthi blockade of Israeli commerce in the Red Sea may acquire renewed international legitimacy in light of Israel’s alleged proceedings before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, for genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The strikes in Yemen more directly implicated the United States in Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah and Hamas, both of which are supported by Iran, similar to the Houthis. In reference to the issue of presidential authority, Biden termed the strikes a “defensive action” and pledged additional measures to secure the Red Sea. Biden stated:
“I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary.”
Many have expressed concern as to whether or not Biden’s actions are indeed “protecting” Americans, as Americans abroad have been increasingly targeted by Islamic extremists since the bombardment of Gaza began, and as some believe that the U.S. could potentially stand trial next to Israel at the Hague for committing war crimes.
In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, members of Congress from both parties raised concerns regarding the constitutionality of the operation.
“It’s great to see the bipartisan opposition to this from the progressive left and populist right,” said Aída Chávez of Just Foreign Policy. “It’s appalling that instead of acting to stop Israeli war crimes, the Biden administration chose to further damage both our global reputation and our Constitutional system by launching a new unauthorized conflict against Yemen.”
A cadre of progressives initially commented on Biden’s actions, followed by Republican members of the Freedom Caucus like reps Thomas Massie and Matt Gaetz.
First, we saw Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif. raise his concerns:
“The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another middle east conflict. That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House.”
“Section 2C of the War Powers Act is clear: POTUS may only introduce the U.S. into hostilities after Congressional authorization or in a national emergency when the U.S. is under imminent attack. Reporting is not a substitute. This is a retaliatory, offensive strike.”
Followed by Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.:
“.@POTUS is violating Article I of the Constitution by carrying out airstrikes in Yemen without congressional approval. The American people are tired of endless war.”
“Only Congress has the power to declare war. I have to give credit to @RepRoKhanna here for sticking to his principles, as very few are willing to make this statement while their party is in the White House.”
“Ro is absolutely correct on this,”
“I totally agree with @RoKhanna. The Constitution matters, regardless of party affiliation.”
Ryan DeLarme is an American journalist navigating a labyrinth of political corruption, overreaching corporate influence, a burgeoning censorship-industrial complex, compromised media, and the planned destruction of our constitutional republic. He writes for Badlands Media and is also a Host and Founder at Vigilant News. Additionally, his writing has been featured in American Thinker, the Post-Liberal, Winter Watch, Underground Newswire, and Stillness in the Storm. He’s also writes for alt-media streaming platforms Dauntless Dialogue and Rise.tv. Ryan enjoys gardening, kung fu, creative writing and fighting to SAVE AMERICA