WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Jim Risch (R-ID), and 12 Republican colleagues introduced the Dismantle Iran’s Proxy Act which would rightfully designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). This FTO designation would result in severe consequences like asset freezes and criminal penalties for any person, state, or organization materially supporting the Houthis.
“If the U.S. is serious about having Israel’s back, then the designation of the Houthis is a must. They are a foreign terrorist organization,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We must stand with one of our greatest friends and allies in the Middle East.”
“After launching nearly daily attacks against American vessels in the Red Sea and Israel, the Houthis have ground international shipping to a standstill. This bill will restore President Trump’s historic decision to designate the Houthis a foreign terrorist organization and impose real costs that will force them to take notice,” said Senator Risch. “Under this administration, the United States will return to President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign on Iran and safeguard American national security.”
The Dismantle Iran’s Proxy Act would:
- Redesignate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization.
- Require a strategy to degrade Houthi capabilities in the Red Sea.
- Require a report on obstacles to humanitarian aid provision in areas of Yemen under Houthi control.
Cassidy and Risch were joined by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Rick Scott (R-FL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Roger Marshall (R-MS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).
Background:
In January 2021, President Trump designated the Houthis a FTO. After taking office, President Biden revoked the FTO designation while simultaneously freezing offensive arms sales to Saudi Arabia.
In 2023, Cassidy cosponsored legislation to designate the Houthis as a FTO. He also joined joined colleagues in urging the administration re-designate the Houthis as a FTO in a letter to Secretary Anthony Blinken.
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