(NewsNation) – A group of senators wrote a letter To President Joe Biden They express some concerns that they have about the US strategy against it the Houthi rebels.

In the letter, Democratic Senators Tim Kaine, Michael Lee and Christopher Murphy and Republican Senator Todd Young said they condemned it Houthis attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea, but questions are being raised as to whether the United States is going too far in defending non-American ships.

“We support smart steps to defend U.S. personnel and assets, hold the Houthis accountable for their actions, and deter further attacks,” the senators said. “We also believe that Congress must deliberate carefully before authorizing offensive military action.”

US forces have carried out strikes against Houthi military bases in Yemen newly named terrorist group has attacked ships in the Red Sea that they say are connected to Israel or are en route to the country’s ports.

While the Houthis claim this is due to Israel’s offensive in Gaza, links to the ships targeted in rebel attacks have become increasingly tenuous.

Spokesman of the National Security Council John Kirby said Thursday that the US attacks will continue as long as necessary, although Biden recently admitted in an exchange with reporters last week that they will not stop the Red Sea attacks.

“If you say they are working, are they stopping the Houthis? No. Will they continue, yes,” Biden said said before leaving the White House for North Carolina.

Now the senators want answers. In their letter, Kaine, Lee, Murphy and Young wrote that Biden’s comments suggest “we are in the midst of an ongoing regional conflict that risks escalation.”

“While the Houthis and their supporters namely Iran“If there is no need to repel a sudden attack, we bear responsibility for the escalation. “The Constitution requires that the United States not take military action unless Congress has voted to do so,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have long advocated for deliberate congressional processes and authorizations for decisions that endanger service members abroad. There is currently no congressional authorization for offensive U.S. military action against the Houthis.”

The senators wrote in their letter that they want to know: What does the Biden administration mean by “self-defense” in the context of these attacks? a written explanation of the legal powers it has to carry it out; and the date U.S. forces became “engaged in hostilities” in Yemen and the Red Sea.

“As tensions rise in the region, we believe that American involvement in another war in the Middle East without congressional approval cannot be possible, following an open debate to inform the American public about the benefits, Risks and consequences of this war can be informed.” “Such a conflict,” wrote senators.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.