Intel: House Middle East panel spotlights Yemen in first virtual briefing

The House Foreign Affairs Committee spotlighted Yemen in its first virtual briefing, which the Middle East subcommittee held today.

“During our subcommittee’s virtual event examining the crisis in Yemen, we heard first-hand accounts of the situation on the ground,” Middle East panel Chairman Ted Deutch, D-Fla., said in a statement. “Along with reduced US and international aid, the current conditions could exacerbate the spread of COVID-19 in Yemen and the region. The US must continue to help foster a political agreement to end the war, reduce human suffering and contain COVID-19 in Yemen.”

Lawmakers heard from human rights advocates and scholars during the virtual briefing, but it was not open to the general public or reporters.  

Why it matters: Democrats gained control of the Foreign Affairs Committee last year after retaking the House in November 2018. While President Donald Trump vetoed legislation intended to end US support for the Saudi coalition fighting the Houthi rebels last year, the fact that Democrats opted to hold their first remote briefing on Yemen in the midst of a global pandemic signals that Congress will continue pressure the Trump administration on the issue.