US Congress Accuses Biden of Launching Illegal Attacks on Yemen

Only Congress has the right to declare war. Any attack abroad must be approved by the US Congress.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Kongres AS Tuding Biden Lancarkan Serangan Ilegal ke Yaman

AP/UK MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

The British warship, HMS Diamond, fired a missile from the Red Sea on Wednesday (10/1/2024). The missile target was an explosive-laden unmanned aircraft flown by the Houthi group from Yemen. On Friday (12/1/2024), the US and UK announced that they had attacked several Houthi facilities in Yemen.

WASHINGTON DC, FRIDAY - Several members of the United States Congress strongly react to the air strike order on Yemen. They accuse President of the United States Joe Biden of violating the constitution. Meanwhile, some members of Congress argue that the attack should have been launched long ago.

Biden announced the US and British attack on Yemen on Friday (12/1/2024). Following the announcement, several members of Congress from the Democratic or Republican parties expressed anger.

At least three members of the Democratic Party, Biden's party, accused Biden of violating the constitution. Because Biden ordered the attack without Congress' approval. Allegations revealed Rashida Tlaib, Ro Khana, and Cori Bush. The accusation was conveyed openly via social media.

Also read US-UK Attack Cities in Yemen

They call the attack on the Houthi group in Yemen illegal. This is because the Congress did not authorize the attack.

”(Order) The President's attack on Yemen is unconstitutional. For more than a month he negotiated with international partners to plan the (attack). "However, he (Biden) has never gone to Congress to seek confirmation as required in article I of the constitution," wrote Democratic member of the US House of Representatives, Ro Khana, at social media.

He asserted that any attack on the Houthi group in Yemen must first receive approval from Congress. Moreover, such an attack could potentially involve the US in the conflict in the Middle East.

Kompas

Houthi launched one of the largest attacks in the Red Sea by launching at least 21 unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles simultaneously on Wednesday (10/1/2024). This attack prompted the US and British military to intervene to fend off the attack targeting the commercial ships.

He reminded that the US War Law only allows the US President to involve the US in combat after Congress approval. The President can also launch attacks only if the US is under attack.

Several Republican politicians agree with Khana. Republican Senator from Utah, Mike Lee, as well as members of the Republican Caucus in the US House of Representatives, Anna Paulina Luna and Thomas Massie, support Khana. "We are not declaring war. Biden must go to Congress," Luna said.

Biden plans to fund the war in Ukraine, control the conflict in Israel, arm Taiwan, and prepare for war with China, and now wants to embark on a war in the Middle East. Please note that the use of the forbidden words in the original text has been retained.

Luna's colleague in the faction, Marjorie Taylor Green, reinforces the opinions of Khana and Luna. "The President must request permission from Congress before going to war. Biden did not act alone in bombing Yemen. What is the condition of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin? Is he still hospitalized?" she said.

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He mentioned the fact that Austin has been in the hospital since January 1st, 2024. There is no news whether Austin has been discharged from the hospital.

Lots of conflict

Greene accuses Biden of involving the US in too many conflicts. "Biden wants to fund the war in Ukraine, control the war in Israel, arm Taiwan, prepare for war with China, and now wants to wage war in the Middle East?" continued Greene.

This airstrike is not authorized by Congress. The Constitution is very clear, only Congress has the authority to authorize military involvement in foreign conflicts. Every president must go to Congress first and request authorization, regardless of their party.

Several members of the Democrat Faction in the US House of Representatives also reject the unauthorized attack on Yemen. Mark Pocan said that the US cannot take the risk of being involved in a long-standing conflict without the approval of Congress.

"This air strike was not authorized by Congress. The Constitution is very clear, only Congress has the authority to authorize military involvement in conflicts outside the country. Every president must go to Congress first and ask for approval, regardless of their party," said Val Hoyle, a Democrat from Oregon.

AFP/MOHAMMED HUWAIS

Residents of Sanaa, Yemen, expressed their support for Palestine on Thursday (11/1/2024). On Friday (12/1/2024), several locations in Yemen were attacked by the United States and Britain.

Her fellow faction member, Summer Lee, also emphasized that Biden must seek approval from Congress. The Constitution applies and must be obeyed by presidents of any party.

Support attack

Not all members of Congress opposed the attack. Some even believe that the attack should have been launched long ago. Because, Houthi's actions have disrupted the security of Red Sea shipping, which is important for the US economy and its allies.

"This attack is necessary, legitimate, and not an escalation. President Biden acted correctly. Houthi attacks threaten global economy and increase the risk of war expansion. Reducing the risk of regional conflict is a priority," said US Democratic Caucus member Seth Moulton.

Support was also shown by Ohio Republican, Max Miller. "The air strike against Iran's henchmen has been delayed for a long time. The US must respond strongly to attacks on American citizens or our interests, including freedom of navigation," he said.

Oklahoma Senator, Markwayne Mullen, also supports the attack. "The show of force against Iran's threats to US ships in the Red Sea is long overdue. The faster this administration implements peace through strong foreign policy, the safer we are," he said. (AFP/REUTERS/AP)