Defending Rights & Dissent Unequivocally Condemns US Bombing of Yemen

Yesterday, the Biden Administration violated Article I of the United States Constitution and the War Powers Act by launching military action against targets in Yemen without Congressional approval. Although the War Powers Act allows for the President to use force in the event of “ a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces,” the strikes were not the response to an immediate attack. Far from an imminent threat, they were planned in advance, allowing Biden time to solicit the support of multiple other governments. These airstrikes were retaliatory, not defensive, and cannot possibly fall within the War Power Act’s narrow exception.  The Administration had ample time and has no excuse for not consulting with, and getting permission from, the US Congress before initiating military action on Yemen.

“Defending Rights & Dissent unequivocally condemns this unauthorized military action,” said Sue Udry, Defending Rights and Dissent Executive Director. 

“Biden’s strikes violate both Article I of the US Constitution and the War Powers Act and are plainly illegal,” said Chip Gibbons, Defending Rights & Dissent Policy Director. “Biden’s actions come in an extremely volatile situation and risk dragging the US into a wider regional war. Given the high stakes, it is all the more imperative that the people’s representatives in Congress be allowed to fully weigh the repercussions and deliberate military action. We urge Congress to invoke the War Powers Act and prevent future unauthorized action.” 

Defending Rights and Dissent is a national civil liberties organization that strengthens our participatory democracy by protecting the right to political expression.