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Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) has openly criticized the recent US-led strikes in Yemen, labeling them as a breach of the US Constitution.

In her statement posted on X, the platform previously known as Twitter, Jayapal emphasized, “Article 1 requires that military action be authorized by Congress,” adding her disapproval of the strikes’ execution without Congressional authorization.

This sentiment was echoed by other Democrats, including Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA), who stressed the necessity of Presidential consultation with Congress before engaging in military actions like the recent strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Despite the President’s political affiliation, Khanna affirmed his commitment to uphold the Constitution. Similarly, Republican Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) aligned with the Democrats on this constitutional issue, asserting, “The Constitution matters, regardless of party affiliation.”

The strikes, conducted by the US and the UK with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, were a response to heightened Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. President Biden justified the strikes as essential to protect freedom of navigation in one of the world’s key commercial routes. Biden stated, “These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel,” and assured readiness for further actions to safeguard international commerce and US interests.

In response to the strikes, the Houthis issued a Telegram statement indicating their readiness to retaliate. The statement said, “We have the capabilities to legitimately defend ourselves. Washington and London should bear the responsibility for militarizing the Red Sea.”