In Senate Committee·Last action 475 days ago

Bill would relabel Houthis as terrorists and force new sanctions

Officially: Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act

The bill would again label Ansarallah, the Houthi group in Yemen, as a foreign terrorist organization. Within 90 days, the U.S. would also have to freeze certain assets, block some financial dealings, and apply travel limits tied to Yemen. It uses existing laws and executive orders to do that.

Where it stands

Sitting in Foreign Relations

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

What this bill actually does

The Secretary of State would have to put Ansarallah back on the foreign terrorist organization list within 90 days of enactment. The bill uses section 219(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the main federal immigration law.
The President would have to sanction Ansarallah within 90 days. The same deadline would apply to any foreign member, agent, affiliate, or foreign person or entity the group owns or controls.
The bill would require sanctions already allowed under Executive Order 13224. Those sanctions include freezing property and stopping certain financial transactions.

↓ 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.

Where your representatives stand

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The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

National Security: Supporters argue that designating the Houthis as a terrorist group addresses the threat they pose to U.S. and allied interests.
Maritime Safety: The bill aims to protect commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks.
Global Alignment: Aligns U.S. policy with other countries that have already designated the Houthis as terrorists.

✕Arguments against

Humanitarian Concerns: Critics worry that sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis in Yemen by restricting aid.
Diplomatic Relations: Some argue that labeling the Houthis as terrorists could hinder diplomatic efforts to negotiate peace.
Effectiveness: Opponents question whether sanctions will effectively change the Houthis' behavior.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in Senate

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Senate Committee

Under Senate committee consideration

Latest: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (1/21/2025)

JAN 21

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Senate Floor Vote

Voted on by Senate

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Passed Senate

Approved by Senate

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House Review

Sent to House 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 relabel Houthis as terrorists and force new sanctions

Where your representatives stand

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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