Members of the US Senate from both the Democratic and Republican parties expressed skepticism on Tuesday regarding President Joe Biden's strategy in dealing with Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. They emphasized that he should seek congressional authorization for ongoing military action against the group based in Yemen.
The United States has been conducting near-daily strikes against the Houthis, who control the most densely populated areas of Yemen. The Iran-aligned group claims its attacks on vessels are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the war waged by Israel in Gaza. So far, the strikes have failed to stop Houthi attacks, which have caused disruptions in global trade and increased shipping costs.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, during a congressional hearing with Pentagon and State Department officials, raised serious concerns about the legal authority on which the Biden administration relies for its strikes, as well as their effectiveness. He stated, “In seeking to establish deterrence, I don’t think you will do that if the 200 strikes become 400, or 800, or 1200 strikes.” Kaine suggested that deterrence would be reestablished when a hostage deal leads to a ceasefire, which would allow for humanitarian aid to Gaza and discussions for potentially extending the ceasefire.
The US Department of Defense reported on Tuesday that its strikes have thus far destroyed or disabled 150 missiles and launch platforms, as well as radars, weapon storage sites, and drones. The Houthis stated on Tuesday that they would not reconsider their missile and drone attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea until Israel ends its "aggression" in Gaza.
Senator Chris Murphy, who chairs the Middle East Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, highlighted during the military actions hearing that the Constitution requires Congress to authorize acts of war. He noted, “We swore an oath to follow the Constitution. If we believe that this is just military action, and I do, then we need to authorize it.” Murphy, a Democrat, indicated he would discuss the possibility of such an authorization with his colleagues.
Republican Senator Todd Young expressed doubts about the US administration's strategy, stating, “It is essential that the administration responds to these actions with a strategy that demonstrates deterrence of aggression, as well as an appropriate legal doctrine. So far, I have not seen such a strategy proposed.”
The US Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the authority to authorize war, although certain provisions in US law grant the White House limited military action abroad. The European Union has launched a naval mission to the Red Sea "to restore and safeguard freedom of navigation." The United States has a parallel coalition effort known as Operation Prosperity Guardian, aimed at protecting commercial traffic from Houthi attacks.
