Central Louisiana News

US Senators Bill Cassidy and Steve Daines, along with 12 Republican colleagues, have introduced a bill to redesignate the Houthis, also known as Ansarallah, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). The move comes in response to the destabilizing actions of the Houthis in the region and the security threat they pose to the United States.

The bill, called the Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act, aims to address the recent involvement of the Houthis in the ongoing conflict in Israel, including their attacks on the country. The senators believe that this designation is necessary to support Israel, one of the United States' greatest allies.

Dr. Cassidy emphasized the importance of the United States standing with Israel in the face of terrorist organizations. He stated, "If the Biden administration is serious about having Israel's back, then the U.S. must designate Houthis for what they are, a foreign terrorist organization."

Senator Daines echoed this sentiment and emphasized the need for a strong message to the Iranian regime. He said, "The Biden administration needs to send a strong, decisive message to the Iranian regime that the U.S. will not stand idly by and watch Iran's proxies try and destroy Israel."

The senators also highlighted the recent interception of cruise missiles and UAVs launched by the Houthis from Yemen by the USS Carney. This incident further underscores the threat posed by the group.

It is worth noting that the Houthis were previously designated as an FTO by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on January 19, 2021. However, this designation was revoked by current Secretary of State Antony Blinken approximately one month later.

In addition to Cassidy and Daines, the bill was introduced by several other Republican senators, including Roger Marshall, Bill Hagerty, Susan Collins, Joni Ernst, Marco Rubio, Roger Wicker, John Barrasso, Cynthia Lummis, Shelley Moore Capito, Pete Ricketts, John Kennedy, and Katie Britt.

The senators have been actively urging the Biden administration to reconsider the FTO designation of the Houthis. Earlier this week, Cassidy and his colleagues sent a letter to Secretary Blinken, urging him to take action.

The introduction of this bill reflects the senators' commitment to strengthening national security and weakening terrorist organizations. By redesignating the Houthis as an FTO and enforcing sanctions, they aim to send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate actions that threaten its interests and those of its allies.

The bill will now undergo further review and consideration in Congress as lawmakers determine the appropriate course of action regarding the Houthis and their designation as a foreign terrorist organization.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-daines-republican-colleagues-introduces-bill-to-redesignate-houthis-as-a-foreign-terrorist-organization