US Bombings of Yemen Should Have Had Congressional Approval

Presidents must receive congressional approval before waging war or using the military to launch any equivalent operation except in limited emergency situations

A missile is launched from a warship during the U.S.-led coalition operation against military targets in Yemen, aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi militia that has been targeting international shipping in the Red Sea, from an undisclosed location, in this handout picture released on Jan. 12, 2024. US Central Command via X/Handout via Reuters

Commentary

Whether or not the U.S. military should have bombed 16 target sites in Yemen in response to repeated Houthi-led drone attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea is a topic worthy of debate. This is all the more true considering that this action is leading the United States into direct involvement in a third regional conflict in less than two years.