Intel: Key Democrat says Yemen war restrictions 'on the table' in major defense bill

House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., told Al-Monitor today that Democrats are considering renewing last year’s push to cut off US support to the Saudi-led coalition that is fighting Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels as part of Congress’ annual defense authorization bill.

“There was bipartisan support last time, just not enough bipartisan support to overcome the objections of [Senate Armed Services Chairman James Inhofe, R-Okla.] and others in the Senate and at the White House,” Smith told Al-Monitor on a conference call with reporters. “So, that will certainly be on the table.”

While Democrats failed to defund US support for the war last year, Smith argued that the increased pressure on the coalition prompted the United Arab Emirates to “for the most part” exit the conflict.

“I want to keep the pressure on all parties involved, including, by the way, the Iranians and the Houthis, who are also part of this, to reach a peaceful settlement,” said Smith. “And whatever the best thing we can do to push in that direction, we are going to do.”