Should U.S. Forces Helping the Saudi Coalition Against Iran-Backed Rebels in Yemen be Withdrawn? (S. Joint Res. 54)

What is S. Joint Res. 54?

(Updated January 1, 2020)

This resolution would direct the president to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the conflict in Yemen between the Saudi-backed coalition and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels within 30 days — except for forces engaged in operations directed at Al Qaeda. It uses authority granted to Congress by the War Powers Resolution, which required the president to notify Congress of military action and required the military’s withdrawal after 60 days unless Congress enacted legislation to authorize the use of military force (AUMF) or declare war. U.S. troops have been assisting the coalition in an advisory and training role.

As a joint resolution, this bill could be signed into law by the president after it’s passed by both chambers of Congress.

Argument in favor

Congress never authorized the participation of U.S. military forces in the conflict in Yemen between the Saudi coalition and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Those troops should be withdrawn.

Argument opposed

The U.S. has a clear national interest in helping the Saudi coalition defeat the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Requiring the removal of the troops providing that assistance is ill-advised.

Impact

U.S. Armed Forces in Yemen; the Saudi-led coalition; and the president.

Cost of S. Joint Res. 54

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced this bill to remove U.S. Armed Forces from Yemen that are assisting the Saudi-backed coalition in their conflict with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels:

“We believe that, as Congress has not declared war or authorized military force in this conflict, the United States involvement in Yemen is unconstitutional and unauthorized, and U.S. military support of the Saudi coalition must end. That is why today we are introducing a joint resolution pursuant to the 1973 War Powers Resolution calling for an end to U.S. support for the Saudi war in Yemen.”

Original cosponsor Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) added:

“With this resolution, Congress can re-assert power over foreign policy decision-making. It can authorize — or decline to authorize — military engagement and define U.S. national interests.”

This legislation has the support of five cosponsors, including four Democrats and one Republican (Lee).

Media:

• Sponsoring Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) Press Release
  
• The Intercept
  
• Washington Post