'He should be arrested': Internet fumes as Biden orders Yemen airstrikes without congressional approval

WASHINGTON, DC: Several Democrats on Capitol Hill voiced their disapproval of President Joe Biden's airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on Thursday, January 11.

The lawmakers argued that the military action was unconstitutional and called for adherence to the War Powers Act.

House Democrats Demand Congressional Authorization

Rep Ro Khanna from California took to X, stating, "The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another Middle East conflict. 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,” he added. “Reporting is not a substitute. This is a retaliatory, offensive strike.”

Echoing Khanna's sentiments, Rep Val Hoyle of Oregon 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.”

Rep Pramila Jayapal, the head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, labeled the US- and UK-led bombing campaign as "an unacceptable violation of the Constitution," stressing that Article 1 mandates "military action to be authorized by Congress."

Rep Mark Pocan expressed concerns about the risk of the US getting entangled in another prolonged conflict without congressional authorization. “The White House must work with Congress before continuing these airstrikes in Yemen,” he insisted. 

Rep Cori Bush, a member of the far-left "Squad," went further, calling the airstrikes "illegal" and imploring President Biden to "stop the bombing and do better by us." She tweeted, “The people do not want more of our taxpayer dollars going to endless war and the killing of civilians." 

Rep Rashida Tlaib, who has previously accused Biden of supporting "genocide" against Palestinians, condemned the Yemen offensive, stating, "The American people are tired of endless war," and describing the airstrikes as unconstitutional.

Global Context and Political Ramifications

The airstrikes in Yemen come in response to a series of drone and missile attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels against shipping vessels in the Red Sea. A senior administration official defended the action, citing the obligation to protect global trade and commerce.

“The United States carries a special, historic obligation to help protect and defend these arteries of global trade and commerce,” the official told reporters Thursday, as quoted by the New York Post.

“And this action falls directly in line with that tradition. That is clearly reflected in both our national security strategy and the national defense strategy. It is a key conviction of the president and it is a commitment that we are prepared to uphold.”

The strikes mark a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict, occurring amid President Biden's reelection campaign and growing Republican criticism of his global leadership.

The move follows intensified warnings and comes a day after GOP candidates Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley criticized Biden for perceived delays in protecting US forces and assets in the region.

Despite the administration's efforts to avoid deeper involvement in the Middle East, escalating Houthi attacks and the imperative to reestablish deterrence pushed the White House towards military action, CNN reported.

“These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical commercial routes,” Biden said in a statement. “I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary.”

Social Media Backlash

Regardless, the president faced backlash on social media, with users calling for his arrest, prosecution, and even impeachment over the airstrikes launched without congressional approval.

"He should be arrested. If the President does not have immunity then he broke the law," one posted on X.

"So he can be prosecuted right?" another wrote. "Jail him up," a comment read.

"They should impeach Joe Biden and Kamala Harris," someone else added.

"Look it's not that big of a deal..c'mon man.. it's just a little bombing," another quipped.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.