Senator Collins, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Re-designate Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins and 14 of her Senate colleagues introduced the Dismantle Iran's Proxy Act. This legislation would re-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.

"Re-designating the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization is long overdue. Since the tragic events of October 7, 2023, the Houthis have worked alongside other Iranian proxies to attack our ally Israel and destabilize the region," said Senator Collins. "Thanks to the brave efforts of U.S. forces-many operating from Bath-built destroyers-and our allies, attempts by the Houthis to undermine international commerce have been thwarted. This legislation would help ensure that these vital efforts to safeguard our national security continue, and that the Houthis are held accountable for their terrorist actions."

Specifically, the Dismantle Iran's Proxy Act would:

1. Re-designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization;

1. Require a strategy to degrade Houthi capabilities in the Red Sea; and

1. Require a report on obstacles to humanitarian aid provision in areas of Yemen under Houthi control.

In January 2021, President Trump designated the Houthis an FTO. After taking office, President Biden revoked the FTO designation while simultaneously freezing offensive arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

Joining Senator Collins in introducing the Dismantle Iran's Proxy Act were Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Rick Scott (R-FL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Mike Rounds (R-SD)

The complete text of the bill can be read here.

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