Biden Follows Historical Precedent With Limited Defensive Strikes in Yemen
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The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, but presidents have long ordered limited military strikes without congressional approval. This traces back to the country's founding.
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Thomas Jefferson, as president, ordered defensive naval action against Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean without congressional approval, establishing historical precedent.
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Jefferson initially felt only Congress should authorize war, but changed his view once president to deal with an urgent threat. He focused on defensive posturing.
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Biden's strikes against Houthis in Yemen parallel Jefferson's actions - defensive actions without wider combat. Critics incorrectly cite the Constitution.
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Presidents from Washington onward have embraced powers as commander-in-chief to deploy forces defensively without Congress. Biden is acting consistently with historical norms.