Top Republicans Back Biden’s Airstrikes on Houthi Rebels in Yemen: ‘Overdue but Welcome’

The recent airstrikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen, led by the United States in coordination with the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Bahrain, have received support from senior Republicans. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Mike McCaul, and Senator Roger Wicker have all expressed their approval of the military action. McConnell described the strikes as ‘overdue but welcome,’ while McCaul called them a ‘good first step toward restoring deterrence in the Red Sea.’ Wicker similarly labeled the action ‘overdue’ and accused the Biden administration of contributing to the increasingly hostile situation in the Red Sea. The strikes targeted critical nodes within Houthi-controlled Yemeni territory, with the administration stating that the targets were used by the rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways. Senators Lindsey Graham and John James, as well as some top Democrats, have also voiced their support for the military action. However, some Democrats have criticized Biden for bypassing Congress to launch the strikes.