Members of Congress have responded to a series of strikes conducted by U.S. and UK military forces on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on Jan. 11, with some lawmakers declaring them “unconstitutional.”
President Joe Biden ordered Thursday’s strikes in response to a series of drone and missile attacks by the Houthis. The attacks targeted U.S. and international commercial ships in the southern Red Sea’s international waters, a vital route for shipping and energy supply transfers.
More than 50 nations have been affected by 27 attacks on international commercial shipping, according to the White House.
President Biden said the successful strikes on Yemen were conducted with support from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Bahrain.
He added that he will “not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary.”
Republicans and Democrats had mixed responses to the strikes, with Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich) claiming they violated the U.S. Constitution.
‘Retaliatory, Offensive Strike’
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) posted similar views to Ms. Tlaib’s online.“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,” he continued. “Reporting is not a substitute. This is a retaliatory, offensive strike.”
An “added context” box also appears under Mr. Khanna’s post stating that the President may initiate limited military action without first gaining approval from Congress, so long as he reports to Congress within 48 hours.
Other Democrats, including Rep. Val Hoyle, (D-Ore.) followed suit in issuing similar remarks while Rep. Barbara Lee, (D-Calif.) and Rep. Mark Pocan, (D-Wisc.) called for a “ceasefire.”
Republican lawmakers were quick to respond too, with Sen. Mike Lee of Utah stating on social media that he agrees with Rep. Khana.
‘Only Congress Has the power to declare war’
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from West Virginia also agreed with the Democratic lawmaker, stating that “Only Congress has the power to declare war.”“The military strikes taken tonight by the Administration in conjunction with coalition partners is an overdue response to Iranian-backed proxies that have targeted U.S. military personnel, bases, and ships more than 120 times since October, resulting in a gravely injured service member,” she said.
The lawmaker stressed the U.S. is not seeking an escalation of violence in the region but must “deter attacks on our troops, and the freedom of navigation that is essential for global trade must be restored.”
Rep. Seth Moulton, (D-Mass.) backed the strikes, saying they were “necessary, responsive, and proportionate,” and “not escalatory.”
‘Clear Violation of Yemen’s Sovereignty’
The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, have defied calls from the international community and the United Nations to halt their missile and drone attacks on Red Sea shipping routes, despite warnings from the U.S. that there would be consequences if they failed to do so.They claim their attacks are a show of support for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Hamas.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is in hospital due to surgery complications, said in a statement Thursday that the strikes by the U.S. and UK “sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will bear further costs if they do not end their illegal attacks.”
The strikes targeted sites associated with the Houthis’ unmanned aerial vehicles, ballistic and cruise missiles, and coastal radar and air surveillance capabilities, he said.
“The response will be greater than the attack that was carried out with 20 drones and a number of missiles,” the group’s leader said.
“These attacks will only contribute to insecurity and instability in the region,” Mr. Kannani told reporters.
