Washington – President Joe Biden faces increasing calls to seek congressional approval for new military action as he orders airstrikes in the Middle East. However, the White House insists that the strikes are covered under authorizations for use of military force passed more than 20 years ago following the 9/11 attacks. This month, airstrikes were ordered on Houthi rebels in Yemen and Iran-affiliated militia groups in Iraq and Syria. After a drone attack killed three U.S. service members and injured more than 30 others, Biden vowed retaliation against Iran-backed militants.House and Senate lawmakers will receive classified briefings about the attack this week. A bipartisan group of senators sent a letter urging Biden to consult Congress before taking further military action. They emphasized the need for congressional authorization for decisions putting servicemembers in harm’s way overseas, stating that there is no current authorization for offensive U.S. military action against the Houthis. The senators also questioned the authority used for military strikes under the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs and called for deliberation in congressional processes for such decisions.In the House, a group of nearly 30 members sent a letter to Biden questioning the constitutionality of the airstrikes on the Houthis and demanding that he seek congressional approval before launching additional strikes. They emphasized the need for robust debate in Congress before putting American servicemembers in harm’s way and spending taxpayer dollars on another war in the Middle East. The group asserted that no president has the constitutional authority to bypass Congress on matters of war.Rep. Ro Khanna, one of Biden’s key progressive allies, expressed disbelief that the White House hadn’t consulted Congress despite planning retaliatory strikes against the Houthis for weeks. He called for congressional support before military action is taken.Biden stated in a letter to congressional leaders that he ordered strikes in Iraq and Syria to protect U.S. citizens at home and abroad, in accordance with the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs and international law. Responding to Biden, Rep. Barbara Lee, the only member of Congress to vote against the 2001 AUMF, called for the repeal of the authorizations, stating that they are not justified with regards to the current situation.Amid criticism from both liberals and conservatives, some also blamed Biden for not being tough enough with Iran. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell argued that while Congress has the power of the purse, it is not the time for congressional interference in battlefield tactics. McConnell accused Biden of not sufficiently exercising the authority he already has. Del. Stacey Plaskett also defended Biden’s use of military force, noting the need for accountability to relevant committees within the Defense Department.
