Removal of United States Armed Forces From Hostilities in Yemen That Have Not Been Authorized By Congress

Floor Speech

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Mr. BERA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 37, and applaud Chairman Engel, as well as my colleague from California, Mr. Khanna, on their leadership.

This joint resolution would direct the removal of U.S. forces from supporting the Saudi and Emirati that campaign in Yemen. We will still be supporting our fight against ISIS and al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, which Congress has specifically authorized. We are not debating that.

We are also not debating, as some might suggest, setting a precedent when it comes to cooperating with our allies. This is about hostilities we are engaged in because we are supporting a coalition in war.

We have not authorized our military to act in the Yemeni civil war. This is about reclaiming the jurisdiction of Congress in making a war. That is our job. That is what we were elected to do. I would say that if there were a Democrat or a Republican in the White House.

Now, if the administration wants to be involved there, they need to come to Congress and make a compelling case. But let's have that discussion.

For that reason, I support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to join me in helping to move this resolution out of the House.

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