Lee Zeldin: “I oppose this amendment prohibiting the use of funds from the Special Defense Acquisition Fund to provide assistance to…”

“I oppose this amendment prohibiting the use of funds from the Special Defense Acquisition Fund to provide assistance to Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates if such assistance could be used in hostilities in Yemen. Nearly every Member in this Chamber has made it very clear that we are concerned about civilian casualties resulting from the conflict in Yemen. However, this amendment does not address that concern. The war in Yemen must end, but, as Iran continues to finance terror and help the Houthis, who have overthrown the government, the consequence will be utter devastation for the Yemeni civilians. Our assistance for the coalition opposing Houthi and Iranian terror in Yemen started in 2015 during the Obama administration when the Houthis overthrew a legitimate government, with Iran's assistance. The Houthis fired missiles against the coalition, with support from Iran, and the U.S. provided intelligence and logistical support in compliance with the Law of Armed Conflict. Iran poses a massive geostrategic threat in the area around Yemen, throughout the Middle East, and to the United States and many of our allies. Right now, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and the U.S. share a common adversary in Iran. We cannot signal to Iran that their continued aggression will be tolerated. Iran's nefarious activities must be countered effectively. The coalition continues to face an onslaught of Houthi attacks on civilian targets, and the U.S.…”