Biden affirms willingness to continue airstrikes in Yemen if Houthis continue attacks on shipping

Responding to reporters at a firefighting academy in Allentown, Pa., President Biden took questions about the U.S. and U.K. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. When asked when he would be designating the group a terrorist organization, Biden said it’s irrelevant, citing countries that are committed to responding to the Houthis if they continue their attacks on cargo ships traveling in the Red Sea.

Video transcript

- Mr. [INAUDIBLE] said-- just to follow up on what you said a few minutes ago at the coffee shop, you said you think the Houthis are a terrorist group. I'm wondering how soon are you willing to designate them as such?

JOE BIDEN: It's irrelevant whether they're designated. We've put together a group of nations that are going to say that if they continue to act and behave as they do, we'll respond.

- What do you think-- and a quick one on oil prices, sir. Oil hit $80 a barrel this morning after the strikes. How concerned are you about the impact the strikes will have on oil supply and prices?

JOE BIDEN: I'm very concerned. That's why we've got to stop it.

- Sir, what do you say to members of your own party that believe you needed congressional authorization for last night's strike?

JOE BIDEN: I'm sorry?

- What do you say to members of your own party who are saying you needed congressional authorization for last night's strike?

JOE BIDEN: They're wrong. And I sent up the-- I sent up this morning when the strikes occurred exactly what happened.