Peters Floor Remarks In Favor of Ending U.S. Support to Saudi-Led Coalition in Yemen

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate floor in support of bipartisan legislation that would end U.S. support to Saudi Arabia’s military campaign in Yemen, which is exasperating the worst humanitarian crisis in decades. Click here for video of his remarks and below is the text as prepared for delivery:  

“Mr. President, I rise today to address the war in Yemen, which is causing the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II. Tens of thousands of young children have already died from starvation. And millions more in Yemen remain threatened by famine and disease.

“Yemen is experiencing the worst cholera outbreak in history with over 1 million cases. In recent months the crisis has accelerated, growing at a rate of 10 thousand cases each and every week.  

“The air campaign in Yemen, led by Saudi Arabia, is now in its third year. And every day, every day, it makes the humanitarian crisis in Yemen worse. Bombs dropped by Saudi Arabia are killing women and children, destroying roads and bridges, disabling electricity and water services and leveling schools, hospitals and mosques.

“Meanwhile, the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stand credibly accused of ordering the murder of a United States resident and journalist known for his criticism of the regime.

“Currently, we are debating a resolution that directs the President to remove the U.S. military from hostilities in Yemen and end our nation’s unauthorized participation in this conflict. I am proud to cosponsor Senate Joint Resolution 54, and I voted to bring it to the floor because the United States should not be providing aerial refueling to Saudi jets bombing Yemen indiscriminately.

“The United States Senate should pass this resolution and send a clear message that our military will not prolong and worsen a humanitarian tragedy led by an increasingly brutal regime. This is also why I’ve voted against arms sales of additional air-to-ground munitions to Saudi Arabia. More arms sales, and more military support for Saudi Arabia is not how we end this crisis. We need meaningful diplomatic and political solutions to alleviate human suffering in Yemen.

“This is issue is deeply personal to me and many Michiganders. I’m proud to represent a vibrant and dynamic Yemeni American community in Michigan. I share their heartbreak over the tragic situation impacting innocent Yemenis.

“Our nation must show real leadership, and take action to ensure that food, water, medicine and all necessary humanitarian supplies are made available to those who so desperately need them.”

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