Rep. Cisneros Statement On The Yemen War Powers Resolution

Statement

Today, Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39) voted in support of H.J.Res. 37, a war powers resolution on Yemen, directing the removal of U.S. Forces that have not been authorized by Congress.

"I was proud to join my colleagues, on a bipartisan basis, to end the unconstitutional participation of U.S. military forces in the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen," said Cisneros.

"Matters of war and peace are the responsibility of Congress, where military engagement can be openly debated and voted on, keeping in mind the views of our constituents and the cost to our soldiers and personnel. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues to provide critical oversight on U.S. military engagement abroad and I hope to work to support efforts to bring a peaceful resolution to alleviate the devastating humanitarian crisis faced by the Yemeni people."

Since 2015, the United States has provided military support to the Saudi-led coalition without explicit Congressional authorization. This support includes intelligence sharing and support, logistics, military advice, and until recently, aerial refueling of Saudi-led coalition aircraft on combat missions. The Saudi-led military engagement in Yemen has helped precipitate one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. H.J.Res. 37 would not affect U.S. assistance with respect to the fight against Al Qaeda or ISIS, and provides the President with the opportunity to make a formal petition to Congress for authorization if he deems it necessary.

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