Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of my colleagues a humanitarian crisis in Yemen. My district is home to many Yemenis who are deeply concerned, and many families have been in my office in total desperation and tears. This week, 45 civilians were killed after an airstrike hit a marketplace north of Aden.

Of real concern is the current outbreak of dengue fever. The World Health Organization estimates there are at least 3,000 cases of dengue fever in Yemen right now, and other groups are estimating it is twice that.

My constituents have family members who are suffering and have no access to medications, doctors, hospitals or, in many cases, even clean water. We must show U.S. leadership to help contain this outbreak.

Today I sent a letter to Secretary Kerry asking about plans the State Department is undertaking to combat this problem. I hope my colleagues will join me in a bipartisan manner to support real concrete action that is needed to help the Yemenis who are sick, desperate, and in critical need of assistance and leadership.

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