(Patriot.Buzz) – In an intraparty rebuke of U.S. military actions taken against terrorists, a group of Democratic legislators slammed Joe Biden’s decision to initiate retaliatory airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen without seeking congressional consent.
Although the strikes were in response to drone and missile attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis against shipping vessels in the Red Sea, Democrats claim these actions are unconstitutional, citing specific legal grounds and expressing concerns about the United States becoming involved in another prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) expressed his position on Twitter, emphasizing the constitutional requirement for the President to seek congressional approval before engaging in military action, per Article I of the Constitution.
He affirmed his commitment to uphold this principle, regardless of the President’s political affiliation. Khanna further referenced Section 2C of the War Powers Act, clarifying that presidential authority to engage in hostilities is restricted to situations of congressional authorization or national emergencies where the U.S. faces imminent attack. He labeled the airstrikes as retaliatory and offensive, not fitting within these categories.
Representative Val Hoyle (D-OR) shared a similar view, restating on X that the airstrikes had not received congressional authorization. She stressed that the Constitution explicitly assigns Congress the authority to sanction military involvement in overseas conflicts. Hoyle insisted that the President, regardless of political party, must seek congressional approval for military actions.
The head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), described the U.S.- and U.K.-led bombing campaign as an unacceptable violation of the Constitution, highlighting the necessity for Congress to authorize military action.
Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI) expressed concern over the potential for these actions in Yemen to entangle the U.S. in a long-term conflict without congressional authorization. He urged the White House to collaborate with Congress before continuing the airstrikes.
Representative Cori Bush (D-MO), a member of the far-left “Squad” of congressional lawmakers, labeled the airstrikes as illegal and called on Biden to cease the bombing.
Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), who has previously accused Biden of supporting actions against Palestinians, also condemned the offensive in Yemen, deeming the airstrikes unconstitutional.
Responding to these claims, a senior administration official defended the airstrikes, stating that the United States has a historic obligation to protect global trade routes, and this action aligns with both national security and defense strategies.
