Hirono Votes to End US Support for Saudi-Led War in Yemen

US Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) voted today to pass a resolution to end US involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen.

Following the 56-41 vote, Senator Hirono released the following statement:

“The humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues unabated. But today, a bipartisan majority in the Senate voted to end US military support that enables Saudi Arabia to continue its devastating war in Yemen and condemn Saudi Arabia’s role in the death of Jamal Khashoggi.

“The message we sent was clear—American values of human rights and press freedom are not for sale. Not for ‘billions’ in arms sales and not for unsubstantiated promises of ‘over a million US jobs.’ Today we stood up against the President’s abhorrent policies, and while I am disappointed that the House will not consider this resolution, our fight is far from over. We will continue our efforts to shift course and focus US leadership and resources on diplomacy to end this humanitarian crisis by achieving a lasting ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.”

In a Dec. 7, 2018 letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, President Donald Trump provided the following update on the situation in Yemen:

“Arabian Peninsula Region. A small number of United States military personnel are deployed to Yemen to conduct operations against al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and ISIS‑Yemen. The United States military continues to work closely with the Government of Yemen and regional partner forces to dismantle and ultimately eliminate the terrorist threat posed by those groups. Since the last periodic update report, United States Armed Forces conducted a number of airstrikes against AQAP operatives and facilities in Yemen, and supported the United Arab Emirates- and Yemen-led operations to clear AQAP from Shabwah Governorate. United States Armed Forces are also prepared to conduct airstrikes against ISIS targets in Yemen. United States Armed Forces, in a non-combat role, have also continued to provide military advice and limited information, logistics, and other support to regional forces combatting the Houthi insurgency in Yemen; however, aerial refueling of regional forces’ aircraft ended in November 2018. United States forces are present in Saudi Arabia for this purpose. Such support does not involve United States Armed Forces in hostilities with the Houthis for the purposes of the War Powers Resolution.”