The United States and United Kingdom have carried out strikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen — and Rep. Thomas Massie believes he knows why.
“You should look at it as this is election season, and when you’re at war, you know, there’s a greater tendency to vote for the commander in chief who’s waging the war,” Massie explains to Glenn Beck.
“And I am worried that he’s going to draw us into a war with this,” he adds.
Meanwhile, Biden didn’t fulfill what Massie believes was an obligation of his.
“He has an obligation to come to Congress, and I think he had time to do it. If he had time to organize an international coalition, or at least with Great Britain, to pull this off, he had time to come to us,” Massie says.
The War Powers Act requires Biden to do that, unless he is responding defensively in the case of an emergency.
“The War Powers Act is correct in a world where we have missiles. If somebody’s launching a missile, the president does not have time to go to Congress and say, ‘Hey I want to make my case here that in 12 minutes we’re all going to be vaporized,’” Glenn says.
However, as Massie said, it’s been over 90 days since this fighting has begun.
“The president has a responsibility to go in front of the American people and Congress and make his case; and Congress needs to decide,” Glenn says.
“You are absolutely correct,” Massie agrees.
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The radical left is enraged that President Joe Biden got something right this week. Democratic lawmakers blasted the president for flattening the Houthi rebels who have been firing missiles and bomber drones toward U.S. warships and at merchant vessels incessantly for months.
In their critiques, ceasefire Democrats like Reps. Val Hoyle (Ore.), Pramila Jayapal (Wash.), Cori Bush (Mo.), Barbara Lee (Calif.), and Ro Khanna (Calif.), erroneously suggested the massive retaliatory attack against Hamas' allies — executed in concert with Britain and supported by Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and Bahrain — was illegal.
Houthi forces, dropped from the list of foreign terrorist organizations by the Biden administration, announced after the Hamas terror attacks on Israel that ships associated with the Jewish nation attempting to transit the Bab al-Mandeb strait constituted "legitimate" targets for additional attacks.
Blaze News previously reported that the Houthis also threatened to target American warships if U.S. naval forces hit ground installations in Yemen.
The terrorists made good on their threats in recent months, launching hundreds of drone and missile attacks against civilian transport ships transiting the strait connecting the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea — one of the world's busiest shipping routes.
In December, the U.S. attempted to launch an international task force to address the terrorist threat but was only able to recruit Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain.
There was an escalation on Dec. 30, when American forces, attempting to protect a commercial ship from another Houthi attack, were fired upon. Evidently unwilling to suffer any further indignities, U.S. Navy helicopters dispatched from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely blew three Houthi vessels out of the water.
In an apparent retaliation for having their boats blown to smithereens, the terrorists targeted American ships on Jan. 9 with 21 drones and missiles, which Reuters indicated British naval forces managed to shoot down. Then, on Jan. 11, Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile into the strait. This proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back.
Biden authorized strikes Thursday "in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea — including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history."
"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," added Biden.
60 rebel targets were hammered in 16 locations in Yemen.
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The terrorists responded by calling the attacks "barbaric" and stressing "all US, UK interests have become 'legitimate targets.'"
Turkish dictator Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose nation still is apparently a NATO member, said the U.S. and U.K. were "trying to turn the Red Sea into a sea of blood," reported Al Jazeera.
A NATO spokesman said, "These strikes were defensive, and designed to preserve freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways. The (Houthi) attacks must end."
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said, "This is why I called for a ceasefire early. This is why I voted against war in Iraq. Violence only begets more violence. We need a ceasefire now to prevent deadly, costly, catastrophic escalation of violence in the region."
Despite the terrorists' vow to indiscriminately strike American interests, Lee added, "The U.S. must demand an immediate ceasefire."
Jayapal (D-Wash.) wrote, "This is an unacceptable violation of the Constitution. Article 1 requires that military action be authorized by Congress."
Anti-Israeli activist Rep. Tashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) joined Jayapal in feigning interest in the law, similarly claiming Biden was "violating Article I of the Constitution by carrying out airstrikes in Yemen without congressional approval."
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Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) claimed Thursday, "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."
Khanna added, "Section 2C of the War Powers Act is clear: POTUS may only introduce the U.S. into hostilities after Congressional authorization or in a national emergency when the U.S. is under imminent attack. Reporting is not a substitute. This is a retaliatory, offensive strike."
Khanna's post on X was slapped with community notes highlighting that in this circumstance, Biden had the legal power to authorize the strikes as Houthis had previously launched a missile attack on both U.S. and British ships. Furthermore, the notes highlighted that the congressional Authorization for Use of Military Force of 2001 was still in effect.
The Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel has argued in recent years that there are two conditions under which the president can exercise authority without Congress' approval: if he reasonably determines action serves "important national interests" and that the "nature, scope and duration of the conflict must not rise to the level of war" that would encroach on Congress' constitutional powers, reported Newsweek.
The War Powers Resolution explicitly allows for the president to introduce U.S. armed forces "into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, are exercised only pursuant to (1) a declaration of war, (2) specific statutory authorization, or (3) a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces."
Dr. Richard Johnson of Queen Mary University in London told Newsweek, "The War Powers Act clarifies that if the president follows the third path, then he should 'in every possible instance shall consult with Congress' before sending forces into hostilities. The term, consultation, has ironically empowered the president."
"'Consultation' is different than specifying that the president needs to ask Congress's permission before sending armed forces in to hostilities," added Johnson. "'Consult' in practice has transformed into 'inform' after the decision was already taken."
While Biden appears to have been in the right in this circumstance, he held former President Donald Trump to a different standard in 2020 when Trump had Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani whacked.
Biden wrote, "Let's be clear: Donald Trump does not have the authority to take us into war with Iran without Congressional approval. A president should never take this nation to war without the informed consent of the American people."
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Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis attacked three merchant vessels Sunday and directed drones toward an American warship, according to U.S. Central Command. Fortunately for the civilian ships, the USS Carney made quick work of destroying the enemy craft.
Houthi forces, dropped from the list of foreign terrorist organizations by the Biden administration, have indicated that ships associated with Israel attempting to transit the Bab al-Mandeb strait constitute "legitimate" targets for additional attacks.
This threat from Hamas' allies has far-reaching implications, especially since the strait, connecting the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea, is one of the world's busiest shipping routes.
CENTCOM indicated that there were four attacks Sunday against three different commercial vessels operating in international waters in the southern Red Sea.
The ships targeted by the terrorists were the Unity Explorer, a bulk carrier sailing under the flag of the Bahamas, which CENTCOM indicated was British-owned but shipping site BalticShipping.com noted is owned by the Tel Aviv-based Ray Shipping; the Number 9, a Bermudan and British-owned container ship sailing under the Panamanian flag; and the Sophie II, another Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier with a multinational crew.
According to the Associated Press, Houthis claimed responsibility for two of the attacks.
Houthis are a Shia military group that was recognized by the Trump administration as a terrorist organization. They kicked off the Yemen civil war in 2014 when they seized the capital city of Sanaa and ousted the government. The Houthis presently control the western portion of the country, which hems the Red Sea.
In President Joe Biden's first days in office, his administration removed the Houthis from the list of foreign terrorist organizations, to the satisfaction of the U.N.
Houthi attacks have increase since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks on Israel. For instance, on Nov. 26, two ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen landed near the USS Mason. Rebels also seized the Liberian-flagged Central Park.
Houthis have also launched anti-Israeli attacks in recent weeks "to help the Palestinians to victory," reported Reuters.
At 9:15 a.m., the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer that had been patrolling international waters, detected an anti-ship ballistic missile attack fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Unity Explorer, "impacting in the vicinity of the vessel."
Roughly three hours after detecting the attack on the Unity Explorer, the USS Carney shot down an incoming Houthi drone. CENTCOM indicated that while the drone had been "headed toward CARNEY ... its specific target is not clear."
It appears that was only the terrorists' opening salvo.
Around 12:35 p.m., the Unity Explorer was struck by another missile fired from Yemen. The attack, which resulted in minor damage, prompted a response from the USS Carney.
While in the process of aiding the Unity Explorer with its danger assessment, the USS Carney detected another inbound drone. The warship quickly blasted the enemy craft to cinders.
At 3:30 p.m., the Number 9 container ship was hit by a missile, again from an area in Houthi-controlled Yemen. While it suffered damage, there were no casualties.
The Sophie II issued a distress call around 4:30 p.m., indicating it too had been struck by a missile. The damage was not significant and it appears there were no fatalities.
The USS Carney responded to the distress call from the Sophie II. However, on its way to administer support, the warship encountered another drone headed its way, which it quickly shot out of the sky in self-defense.
Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a spokesman for the Houthi terrorists, claimed responsibility for two of the four attacks, namely the first missile strike and the successful drone strike in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, reported the Associated Press.
"The Yemeni armed forces continue to prevent Israeli ships from navigating the Red Sea (and Gulf of Aden) until the Israeli aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops," said Saree. "The Yemeni armed forces renew their warning to all Israeli ships or those associated with Israelis that they will become a legitimate target if they violate what is stated in this statement."
The Unity Explorer reportedly may have been targeted in part because the British firm has among its officers Dan David Ungar, a resident of Israel.
CENTCOM stated, "These attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security. They have jeopardized the lives of international crews representing multiple countries around the world."
"We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran," continued CENTCOM. "The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies."
When missiles from Houthi-controlled territory were fired at American ships in 2016, the USS Nitze repaid the favor, atomizing three coastal radar sites in Houthi territory with cruise missiles.
While Iran has not officially addressed the attacks, Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian indicated that "if the current situation continues, the region will enter a new phase," referring to Israel's war with Hamas terrorists.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby indicated on Nov. 21 that the Biden administration is now considering "potential terrorist designations" for the Houthi forces over their "flagrant violation of international law," reported Reuters.
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The days of land wars might be nearing an end.
In what may be the first space battle in the history of mankind, Israel has shot down a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels while it was outside the atmosphere.
The missile flew a thousand miles over the Arabian Peninsula to its target, where it was shot down by Israeli’s aero missile defense system.
It’s believed to be the first combat ever to take place in space.
“'Star Wars' has begun,” Stu Burguiere says, shocked.
Yemen’s Houthis also released footage reporting the missile as being launched as part of a barrage of drones and other long-range weapons aimed at Israeli towns and cities.
Glenn Beck is surprised the Houthis income allows them to have a defense industry that is working on ballistic missile systems, but he has a guess at who’s really behind it.
“Maybe, Iran,” Glenn says, although he’s “sure” the Houthis have “an unbelievable scientific community” and a “great IT department.”
“If the Houthis have it, I would imagine the Iranians could put a ballistic missile into the sky. And they also have a, you know, a nuke.”
To enjoy more of Glenn’s masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis, and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.
The U.S. State Department is seeking the release of individuals detained by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and calling for the militants who breached the American embassy facility in Sana'a to abandon the premises and return stolen materials.
"We call on the Houthis to immediately vacate it and return all seized property," a State Department spokesperson said, according to reports. "The U.S. government will continue its diplomatic efforts to secure the release of our staff and the vacating of our compound, including through our international partners."
Yemenis working for America have been detained by Houthis in recent weeks, Bloomberg reported earlier this week, citing two individuals familiar with the issue.
The outlet said that the American embassy in Yemen was closed years ago in 2015, though some local workers still work from home or serve as security for the facility grounds.
"The United States has been unceasing in its diplomatic efforts to secure their release," a State Department spokesperson told the Washington Free Beacon. "The majority of the detained have been released, but the Houthis continue to detain additional Yemeni employees of the embassy."
The individuals being detained are "detained without explanation and we call for their immediate release," the State Department spokesperson noted, according to the Free Beacon.
After the Trump administration designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization, the Biden administration reversed course, the Free Beacon noted.
"The Houthis continue acting like a foreign terrorist organization. The Biden administration's wrong-headed decision to not treat them as one is failing with catastrophic consequences for the people of Yemen, U.S. allies and U.S. security," tweeted Foundation for Defense of Democracies CEO Mark Dubowitz.
The Houthis continue acting like a foreign terrorist organization. \n\nThe Biden administration\u2019s wrong-headed decision to not treat them as one is failing with catastrophic consequences for the people of Yemen, U.S. allies and U.S. security.https://freebeacon.com/national-security/iran-backed-militants-storm-us-embassy-in-yemen-seize-hostages-and-equipment/\u00a0\u2026
— Mark Dubowitz (@mdubowitz) 1636651026
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