Spanberger Helps Pass Bipartisan Resolution to Reassert the Role of Congress in Authorizing U.S. Military Force, Restrict U.S. Engagement in Yemen Conflict

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today joined a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives in passing a resolution that would remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against the Houthis in Yemen, which were not authorized by Congress.

Earlier this year, Spanberger joined a majority of the House Foreign Affairs Committee in advancing this legislation, which would not impact U.S. military operations against al-Qaeda or associated terrorist groups.  

“Today, I voted to pass this important resolution, which would help hold our partners accountable for destabilizing behavior and allow Congress to reassert its role in authorizing the use of military force,” said Spanberger. “We must seriously review U.S. military engagement abroad, and this strategic process begins by ensuring our military support does not compromise our values, exacerbate human suffering, threaten our close relationship with Israel, or jeopardize the safety of American citizens or interests. I urge the President to sign it as soon as possible.”

Spanberger has advocated for a reexamined, smart strategy toward future U.S. military and diplomatic engagement in the Middle East—while also making sure we continue to support our close allies and partners. Earlier this week, Spanberger signed on as a cosponsor of a bipartisan resolution to signify support for a two-state solution and to oppose the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The bipartisan H. Res. 246 would state that by denying the Jewish claim to a homeland, the BDS movement is fundamentally incompatible with a two-state solution.

“I oppose the BDS movement, because such misguided efforts could undermine and delegitimize the state of Israel and its right to exist,” said Spanberger. “I’m proud to stand alongside Republicans and Democrats in opposing BDS and to help introduce a bipartisan resolution to unequivocally condemn BDS and to reaffirm support for a peacefully-negotiated two-state solution. Our alliance with Israel is far too important to become a partisan issue or to be used to advance poison-pill amendments on critical foreign policy legislation.”

H. Res. 246 is led by U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Jerry Nadler (D-NY-10), Lee Zeldin (R-NY-01), and Ann Wagner (R-MO-02).

Background

During her first House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Spanberger highlighted the importance of holding recipients of U.S. security assistance accountable for violations of international law. Additionally, she questioned witnesses about how best to make sure American-supplied weapons are used for solely defensive purposes, rather than to fuel additional violence. Click here for a full video of her remarks.

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