Rosen, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Sanction Houthis for Human Rights Violations

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) introduced bipartisan legislation to hold accountable the Houthis in Yemen for possible human rights violations. The Houthis, a terrorist proxy of Iran, are a threat to a Yemeni-led peace process and regional stability. The bipartisan Houthi Human Rights Accountability Act would require a determination on the application of sanctions on Houthis for human rights violations or hostage-taking, as well as mandate a report on Houthi extremist indoctrination and its threats to long-term regional stability.

"The Houthis have terrorized the Yemeni people, the region, and Americans for far too long," said Senator Rosen. "With Iran's support, the Houthis have prevented crucial, lifesaving aid from reaching civilians and unlawfully detained humanitarians and diplomats, including current and former local staff of the U.S. Mission in Yemen just this week. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to hold the Houthis accountable. I'll continue working across party lines to support efforts to combat Iranian-backed aggression and stabilize the Middle East."

"The Houthis' campaign of terror and destruction remains a threat to global maritime trade, our regional allies, and the people of Yemen," said Senator McCormick. "The severity of the Houthi menace is magnified by their human rights abuses, antisemitism, and their continued theft of international humanitarian aid. This bipartisan, bicameral bill will ensure Houthi terror remains on the global agenda and position the United States at the forefront of efforts to steadily increase pressure on the group."

Senator Rosen has been a steadfast advocate for strengthening our national security, combating terrorism, supporting Israel and other U.S. allies in the Middle East, and countering threats from Iran's authoritarian regime and their terrorist proxies, such as the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas. She has led bipartisan efforts to freeze Iranian assets, tighten oil sanctions, and designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization. Senator Rosen continues to support strong U.S. foreign policy priorities focused on safeguarding global stability.

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