SW Georgia News

The House Foreign Affairs Committee has voted to advance Congressman Andrew Clyde's legislation, the Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act. The bill, known as H.R. 6046, aims to redesignate the Iran-backed Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and reinstate sanctions on the group. The committee's bipartisan vote of 34-13 shows a united front in recognizing the need to combat Iran's aggression.

Congressman Clyde expressed his satisfaction with the committee's approval, stating, "I'm incredibly pleased that the House Foreign Affairs Committee approved my Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act with bipartisan support, as this critical legislation is direly needed to combat Iran's aggression." He also criticized President Biden's approach towards Iran, claiming that it has threatened national security and put American troops at risk. Clyde emphasized the importance of Congress taking action to prioritize U.S. national security by redesignating the Houthis as an FTO.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman McCaul echoed Clyde's sentiments, asserting that the administration made a deadly mistake by removing the Iran-backed Houthis' designation as an FTO. McCaul highlighted the Houthis' expansion of terrorist actions beyond the Arabian Peninsula, including consistent attacks on global shipping. He emphasized the need to use every tool available to respond to this terrorist activity and defend national interests, which includes redesignating the Iran-backed Houthis as an FTO.

It is worth noting that President Biden reversed a Trump Administration policy in 2021 by removing the Houthis from the Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist lists. Since then, U.S. troops in the Middle East have faced over 160 attacks by Iran-backed proxies, including the Houthis, with the recent death of three American heroes.

The Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act seeks to address these concerns and hold the Iran-backed Houthis accountable for their actions. The text of the bill is available for review, and the full committee markup can be watched online.

In conclusion, the advancement of Congressman Clyde's legislation by the House Foreign Affairs Committee demonstrates a bipartisan effort to combat Iran's aggression and protect national security interests. The bill's aim to redesignate the Houthis as an FTO and reinstate sanctions is seen as a necessary step in responding to the terrorist activities of the Iran-backed group.