House Dems Defy Trump, Advance Bill to End US Role in Yemen War

In a party-line vote, the House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced the War Powers Act challenge to the US involvement in the war in Yemen. Having advanced through committee, it will face a floor vote later this month, where it is expected to easily pass.

The War Powers challenge notes that Congress never authorized US military involvement in the Saudi-invasion of Yemen. The resolution would demand an end to the US participation in the unauthorized war.

The Senate is also considering an identical resolution. The Senate passed the resolution in December, but with a new Congress taking over in January, there will need to be a re-vote. President Trump has threatened to veto the bill.

This makes the final votes this year in the House and the Senate more important, because it potentially sets the stage for overriding a Trump veto. It’s not clear how close an override attempt might be, but since the Saudi assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, a number of previously pro-war lawmakers have switched sides, and are supporting ending the Yemen War.

Maximizing support for the votes is still important, however, particularly if there is to be a veto override. While there is not a timetable for the votes as of yet, those wishing to call their legislators should do so. House member’s contact information can be found here. The House version of the bill is HJ Res 37. The Senate version is SJ Res 7, and your Senators can be reached by calling the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121.