In House Committee·Last action 403 days ago

Bill would punish backers of Houthi shipping attacks and require yearly reports

Officially: Combating Houthi Threats and Aggression Act

Foreign people and groups tied to Houthi attacks on shipping could face U.S. asset freezes and travel bans. The bill also requires yearly reports to Congress on Houthi attacks, weapons, and support networks. These rules end after five years unless lawmakers renew them.

Where it stands

Sitting in Foreign Affairs

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

The President must send key foreign affairs and armed services committees a report within 180 days. After that, Congress gets an updated report every year on the Houthis' ability to threaten U.S. national security and foreign policy.
Congress would get a yearly report on Houthi attacks that affect safe ship passage in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. It starts with attacks going back to October 7, 2023.
Congress would also get a yearly report on actual and attempted violations of the U.N. arms embargo on Yemen. That report starts with incidents from January 1, 2022.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Deters Houthi Aggression: Supporters argue that the bill will help deter Houthi attacks on global shipping, protecting U.S. economic interests and ensuring the safety of international waters.
Enhances National Security: By imposing sanctions, the bill aims to pressure the Houthis to stop threatening U.S. personnel and allies, thereby enhancing national security.
Promotes Accountability: The required reports to Congress will improve transparency and help coordinate better responses to Houthi actions.

✕Arguments against

Risk of Escalation: Critics might argue that imposing sanctions could escalate tensions and lead to further conflict in the region.
Humanitarian Concerns: There could be concerns about the potential humanitarian impact on Yemeni civilians, who might suffer from economic pressures resulting from the sanctions.
Lack of Comprehensive Strategy: Some may feel that the bill does not address the root causes of the conflict and lacks a broader strategy for peace in Yemen.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in House

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House Committee

Under House committee consideration

Latest: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (3/11/2025)

MAR 11

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House Floor Vote

Voted on by House

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Passed House

Approved by House

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Senate Review

Sent to Senate for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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Bill would punish backers of Houthi shipping attacks and require yearly reports

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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