Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and Jim Risch, along with 12 other Republican colleagues, have introduced the Dismantle Iran’s Proxy Act. This legislation aims to designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). Such a designation would lead to significant consequences including asset freezes and criminal penalties for any entity supporting the Houthis.

Senator Cassidy emphasized the importance of this move in relation to U.S.-Israel relations: “If the U.S. is serious about having Israel’s back, then the designation of the Houthis is a must. They are a foreign terrorist organization,” he stated. “We must stand with one of our greatest friends and allies in the Middle East.”

Senator Risch also highlighted recent attacks by the Houthis: “After launching nearly daily attacks against American vessels in the Red Sea and Israel, the Houthis have ground international shipping to a standstill. This bill will restore President Trump’s historic decision to designate the Houthis a foreign terrorist organization and impose real costs that will force them to take notice,” he said. He further mentioned that under this administration, there would be a return to President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign on Iran to protect American national security.

The senators supporting this act include Roger Wicker, Tom Cotton, Susan Collins, Lindsey Graham, Mike Crapo, Bill Hagerty, Rick Scott, Joni Ernst, Roger Marshall, Marsha Blackburn, John Boozman, Katie Britt, and Mike Rounds.

Previously in January 2021, President Trump had designated the Houthis as an FTO. However, President Biden revoked this designation upon taking office while also freezing offensive arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

In 2023, Senator Cassidy cosponsored legislation for re-designating the Houthis as an FTO and urged Secretary Blinken through a letter to reconsider their status.