U.S. Lawmakers Urge Trump to Make a Decision on Saudi Yemen War, Reports Reuters

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON – U.S. lawmakers have stated that they anticipate Congress will pass a resolution to end U.S. involvement in the Yemen war, which would require President Donald Trump to issue the first veto of his presidency to continue supporting the Saudi-led coalition.

Both Republican and Democratic senators and representatives announced the reintroduction of a war powers resolution that previously passed the Senate in December by a vote of 56-41. This action reflects strong criticism of Trump, stemming from outrage over civilian casualties in Yemen as well as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

An alliance of progressive Democrats and Republican constitutional conservatives expressed their dismay at the "humanitarian disaster" unfolding in Yemen, emphasizing the need for Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority regarding military engagement decisions. "That decision has never been debated and discussed and voted on and approved by Congress," stated Republican Senator Mike Lee, a co-sponsor of the measure, during a news conference.

The United States has provided support for the Saudi-led airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, offering mid-air refueling, intelligence, and target assistance.

Some opponents of the resolution are hesitant to jeopardize the strategic U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia, which is viewed as a crucial counterbalance to Iran in the Middle East—a key adversary of U.S. ally Israel.

The Yemeni embassy in Washington issued a statement against the resolution, warning it would represent a significant victory for Iran if U.S. support for the coalition was withdrawn.

The Senate’s December vote marked a historical moment as it was the first instance in which either chamber of Congress approved a resolution aimed at withdrawing U.S. forces under the War Powers Act, a law enacted in 1973 that restricts the president’s ability to commit military forces without congressional approval.

The resolution did not advance further in December because the Republican-controlled House of Representatives did not permit a vote before the year’s end. However, the sponsors of the measure claimed that it contributed to a ceasefire in Yemen initiated in December. "Sometimes we underestimate how much influence we have," remarked Democratic Representative Ro Khanna.

With Democrats now holding a majority in the House, Trump’s fellow Republicans have expanded their margin in the Senate to 53-47.

To override a presidential veto, a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress would be required. Trump had previously threatened to veto the resolution in December. The White House did not immediately address inquiries about whether he still aims to do so.

"President Trump is going to have to make a decision," stated Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats.