GOP Bill Seeks to Reinforce Trump’s Crackdown on Houthi Terrorists

Congressman Mark Green has introduced a bold new bill aimed at expanding President Donald Trump’s efforts to take down the Iran-backed Ansar Allah terrorist group, commonly known as the Houthis. Green’s legislation seeks to restore the Trump-era designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and impose stricter sanctions on their enablers.

The Tennessee Republican made it clear: Biden’s soft approach has only emboldened these terrorists. “We must do more to combat the Houthi rebels and sanction their suppliers,” Green stated. “President Trump’s actions and my legislation accomplish both.”

In the final weeks of his first term, Trump designated the Houthis as an FTO, allowing for stronger sanctions and penalties on those who aid the group. However, in a shocking move, President Joe Biden rescinded this designation in February 2021, claiming it interfered with humanitarian aid efforts in Yemen.

• Following Biden’s reversal, the Houthis intensified their attacks in the region.

• They have launched over 100 attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023.

• The group has fired more than 40 missiles and 300 drones at Israel, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Biden’s administration later attempted damage control by classifying the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Entity (SDGT) in January 2024. But this designation lacks the teeth of an FTO listing it does not impose travel bans or allow for broad sanctions against those funding the group.

Green’s legislation goes beyond just reapplying the FTO label. His bill requires the executive branch to report on:

1. The Houthis’ threats to U.S. national security.

2. Their disruptions to global maritime trade.

3. Violations of the United Nations arms embargo against Yemen.

“The Houthis have consistently threatened the lives of American citizens and military personnel,” Green emphasized. “With this new designation, the United States stands ready to combat any threats against us and our allies in the Red Sea.”

This is a crucial step in confronting not only the Houthis but also their backers in Tehran. Iran has long provided the terrorist group with weapons, funding, and political support, fueling chaos in the region.

Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department was reinstating the Houthi FTO designation a clear sign that Trump’s policies are back on track. “Today’s action demonstrates the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, the safety of the American people, and the security of the United States,” Rubio declared.

The State Department has also launched an aggressive campaign against Houthi funding networks, offering a $15 million reward for information leading to the disruption of their financial operations.

Green’s bill is a direct response to Biden’s disastrous foreign policy blunders, which have only emboldened America’s enemies. Under Trump, the U.S. made it clear that we don’t negotiate with terrorists we take them down. With Trump leading the charge once again, it’s time to restore strength and security on the global stage.

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