WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement regarding the State Department announcement that it intends to designate the Houthis in Yemen as a foreign terrorist organization.
“I am deeply concerned that the State Department plans to designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization and the process that led to this decision. Make no mistake, the Houthis have engaged in persistent behavior that should be carefully scrutinized. However, labeling the Houthis as terrorists at this point could disrupt the flow of aid to the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophe, and undermine the ongoing peace negotiations led by United Nations Special Envoy Martin Griffiths. It could also push them closer to Iran. The designation could have the effect of making the region more dangerous and cost innocent lives.
“What’s more, it is highly problematic that President Trump is making a decision of this magnitude with only days remaining in his term.”
“I am deeply concerned that the State Department plans to designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization and the process that led to this decision. Make no mistake, the Houthis have engaged in persistent behavior that should be carefully scrutinized. However, labeling the Houthis as terrorists at this point could disrupt the flow of aid to the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophe, and undermine the ongoing peace negotiations led by United Nations Special Envoy Martin Griffiths. It could also push them closer to Iran. The designation could have the effect of making the region more dangerous and cost innocent lives.
“What’s more, it is highly problematic that President Trump is making a decision of this magnitude with only days remaining in his term.”
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