Democrats fume after Biden orders Yemen airstrikes without congressional approval: ‘Unacceptable violation of the Constitution’

Several Democrats on Capitol Hill scolded President Biden Thursday for launching airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen without congressional approval, arguing that the action was unconstitutional. 

“The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another middle east (sic) conflict,” Rep. Ro Khanna tweeted. “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 US into hostilities after Congressional authorization or in a national emergency when the U.S. is under imminent attack,” the California Democrat went on. “Reporting is not a substitute. This is a retaliatory, offensive strike.”

Echoing Khanna, Rep. Val Hoyle (D-Ore.) tweeted, “These airstrikes have NOT been authorized by Congress. The Constitution is clear: Congress has the sole authority to authorize military involvement in overseas conflicts. Every president must first come to Congress and ask for military authorization, regardless of party.”

An Royal Air Force Typoon aircraft takes off to join the US led coalition to conduct air strikes against military targets in Yemen on Jan. 11, 2024.via REUTERS
Missiles explode in Saada, Yemen on Jan. 11, 2024.CNN

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