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Rep. Khanna expresses concern over unauthorized strikes in Yemen
The letter emphasizes Congress' constitutional authority regarding matters of war and peace.
Rep Ro Khanna led many other concerned representatives. / Image - Congressman Ro Khanna
Congressman Ro Khanna led Representatives Andy Biggs, Warren Davidson, Val Hoyle, Pramila Jayapal, and 22 other members, to express their concern over unauthorized military strikes targeting Houthi Rebels in Yemen.
“While we share your Administration’s concerns about Houthi threats in the Red Sea, we write with serious concern regarding unauthorized U.S. military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen,” the members said in a bipartisan letter addressed to President Biden.
The letter emphasizes Congress' constitutional authority regarding matters of war and peace. It urges the administration to obtain authorization from Congress before carrying out additional military strikes and becoming involved in another conflict in the Middle East.
“Article One of the Constitution is clear: Congress has the sole power to declare war and authorize U.S. military action. The War Powers Resolution (WPR) of 1973 upholds Congress’s constitutional war powers authority: Section 2(c) of this law makes clear that the President can only introduce U.S. forces into hostilities 1) after a declaration of war by Congress, 2) after a specific statutory authorization from Congress, or 3) in a national emergency when the U.S. is under imminent attack,” the lawmakers highlighted.
They emphasized that the U.S. strikes in Yemen did not meet the “national emergency” criteria outlined in Section 2(c), so an authorization by the Congress should have been sought. The letter calls on the administration to elucidate its rationale for engaging in such actions without prior approval from Congress. It further urges the administration to seek and obtain congressional approval before taking any future military actions.
“As representatives of the American people, Congress must engage in robust debate before American servicemembers are put in harm’s way and before more U.S. taxpayer dollars are spent on yet another war in the Middle East. No President, regardless of political party, has the constitutional authority to bypass Congress on matters of war,” the lawmakers maintained.
The US and UK released a joint statement confirming that, with the support of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, they conducted eight strikes on January 22. The strikes aimed at a Houthi underground storage site and targeted missile and surveillance capabilities.
The Houthis claim that their attacks are a response to Israel's actions in Gaza and a show of support for the Palestinians. Controlling a significant portion of Yemen, the group has targeted numerous ships in the major waterway since November 2023, causing disruptions to international maritime trade and raising concerns about potential impacts on the global economy.
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