Harlem Rep. Espaillat Condemns U.S. Military Involvement In Yemen During Debate

Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat delivered the following remarks to condemn the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen, which has contributed to the gravest humanitarian crisis in the world.

Here are Rep. Espaillat’s remarks:

“I rise today in support of H.J.Res 37, in which Congress will reclaim its constitutional authority over the power to declare war and will finally address the terrible suffering happening in Yemen.

“For four years, we have aided the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen, which has contributed to the gravest humanitarian crisis in the world. A man-made crisis that we could help alleviate, rather than contribute to.

“This is four years too long!

“The Trump Administration has cozied up to the Saudis, ignoring the harm they cause in Yemen and their egregious violations of human rights.

“The President expressed his personal affirmation for the Saudi Kingdom on several occasions, saying, ‘They give us a lot of business,’ and ‘they’ve been a great ally to me.’

“Trump and those opposed to this resolution have argued that our ties to Saudi Arabia our too precious, that our cooperation on counter-terrorism and countering Iran would be jeopardized by this resolution.

“But in In December, when discussing an earlier version of this resolution, Senator Lindsey Graham wrote: ‘The fear that the Saudis will stop cooperating with the U.S. on terrorism or Iran isn’t rational. Those threats pose as much of a danger to the Saudis as they do to America. Demanding better from allies isn’t downgrading the relationship; it’s a sign that Americans take our principles seriously and won’t be taken advantage of by anyone, friend or foe.’

“I urge Congress to reassert its constitutional authority, to work to end the suffering of millions, and to pass this War Powers Resolution.

“Thank you Mr. Chair, I yield back the remainder of my time.”

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To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.