“With this National Defense Authorization Act, US leaders have failed the people of Yemen by leaving strong language to end American arms sales on the cutting room floor. Without these restrictions, the NDAA fails to meaningfully address the US role in the war in Yemen and takes the pressure off of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to reach a ceasefire and help end the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
“President Trump vetoed bipartisan legislation in April and July of this year aimed at curbing US arms sales that fuel the conflict. It is extremely disappointing that Congress appears to have decided to abandon their repeated bipartisan efforts and ignore the will of the American people in this bill.
“Congress’ unwillingness or inability to take a sufficiently strong stance on Yemen at this critical moment sends a dangerous message that achieving peace is simply not a priority. We urgently need renewed leadership to make this right– and we must see all sides to the conflict immediately reinvest in negotiations to reach a sustainable and inclusive peace. As it stands, this bill does not reflect the will of Congress or the American people, and now more than ever Congress has an obligation to continue pressing for an end to US arms transfers and sales in 2020.
“Right now, millions of people in Yemen wonder where their next meal is coming from, and if they and their loved ones will survive this brutal war. All eyes are on the US to see if it will use its influence to be a force for peace, but today we have disappointed them once again.”
//ENDS