Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) voiced strong criticism against the U.S.-led strikes on Yemen, denouncing them as "an unacceptable violation of the Constitution."
Jayapal took to X to emphasize that according to Article 1 of the Constitution, any military action must receive authorization from Congress.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.): US-led strikes on Yemen "an unacceptable violation" of Constitution https://t.co/xvCiQqV3Uk pic.twitter.com/vFsxrk3Sfm
— The Hill (@thehill) January 12, 2024
Her statement reflected concerns about the separation of powers and the role of Congress in decisions of military significance related to the Middle East.
Joining Jayapal in expressing constitutional worries, several other Democrats, including Representative Ro Khanna from California, raised objections to the strikes.
Khanna specifically called on President Biden to adhere to Article I of the Constitution, insisting that any military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen should be subject to congressional authorization.
This bipartisan concern underscored the importance of upholding constitutional principles regardless of political affiliations.
Republican Senator Mike Lee from Utah echoed the constitutional sentiments, emphasizing that the principles enshrined in the Constitution are paramount, transcending party lines.
Lee's stance added weight to the bipartisan acknowledgment that constitutional norms should guide decisions related to the use of military force.
The U.S. and the U.K., with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, executed targeted strikes in Yemen against Houthi rebels. President Biden justified these strikes as a response to what he described as "unprecedented Houthi attacks" in the Red Sea.
In a formal statement, Biden highlighted that the defensive measures were undertaken following an extensive diplomatic campaign and in response to escalating attacks by Houthi rebels on commercial vessels.
Biden's statement conveyed a clear message that the U.S. and its international partners would not tolerate threats to personnel or disruptions to the freedom of navigation in crucial commercial routes. The President affirmed his commitment to taking further measures if necessary to protect U.S. citizens and ensure the smooth flow of international commerce.
In reaction to the strikes, a Houthi statement on Telegram asserted the group's capabilities to legitimately defend itself. The statement also placed responsibility for the militarization of the Red Sea on Washington and London.
The Houthi response warned of potential repercussions and framed the U.S. and the U.K. as accountable for escalating tensions in the region.
The situation highlighted the controversy in the Biden administration as the military operates in the Middle East following the war started by Hamas in October that killed over 1,200 Israelis.
