Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) released the following statement after the Iranian-backed Houthis stormed the U.S. Embassy in Yemen on Wednesday:

“Shortly after taking office, President Biden foolishly removed the Houthis, the Iranian-backed proxy force in Yemen, from the Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist lists. Emboldened by Biden’s ill-advised decision and blatant lack of leadership, the Houthis attacked the U.S. Embassy in Yemen on Wednesday – using the raid to take hostages and equipment. I am incredibly concerned for the safety of the employees who were kidnapped by this ruthless organization, and I call on the Biden Administration to immediately provide a briefing to Congress regarding individuals still being held captive by the Houthis and what actions are being taken to address this dangerous situation.

“After years of brutal tactics, this latest act of aggression further solidifies the Houthis’ troubling pattern of hostile behavior and proves that the group must be designated as a foreign terrorist organization. Back in June, I proudly introduced legislation to do just that. H.R. 3965, the ‘Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act’ would reinstate sanctions that the Trump Administration placed on the Houthis and redesignate the group as a foreign terrorist organization. I implore all of my colleagues – both Republican and Democrat – to respond to Wednesday’s breach by supporting my legislation and recognizing the Houthis for what they are – a terrorist organization. I also call on Speaker Pelosi to bring H.R. 3965 to the floor for immediate consideration.

“We cannot allow the leadership vacuum in the White House to create yet another massive disaster in the Middle East. The world has already witnessed the Biden Administration’s catastrophic failures in the withdrawal from Afghanistan, where 14,000 U.S. legal permanent residents are said to remain in the clutches of the Taliban. The United States must project strength, not weakness and thereby further empower Iran. The Administration must swiftly respond to the Houthis’ aggression and bring the hostages back to safety.”

Full text of H.R. 3965 can be found HERE.

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