Combating Houthi Threats and Aggression Act
Combating Houthi Threats and Aggression Act is a bill that would (1) designate and sanction individuals or entities involved in attacks by the Houthis on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, (2) require multiple annual and periodic congressional-reporting on the Houthis’ capabilities, funding, and external support (notably from Iran and allied actors), and (3) set up a framework of targeted sanctions (including asset blocking and visa bans) with case-by-case waivers and a five-year sunset. The overarching goal is to deter Houthi attacks on global commerce, safeguard maritime security, and illuminate the external networks that enable the Houthis’ military and weapons programs. The act would delegate authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement sanctions and would require regulatory steps and regular oversight by Congress. Key features include annual and periodic reports on Houthi capabilities and Iran/other actors’ support, a detailed look at attacks that threaten navigation, scrutiny of UN arms embargo violations related to Yemen, and a sanctions regime targeting those responsible for or materially supporting such attacks. The bill also emphasizes coordination with US allies and partners and imposes a sunset after five years.
Key Points
- 1Targeted sanctions for attacks on international shipping: The President would sanction foreign persons responsible for or materially aiding Houthi attacks that threaten Red Sea/Gulf of Aden shipping, including asset blocking and visa/admission penalties, with potential further enforcement under IEEPA.
- 2Extensive reporting requirements on Houthi capabilities and external support: The bill requires the President to submit annual reports on Houthi leadership, funding, weapons programs (including missiles and drones), supply chains from Iran/Hezbollah, and the role of the Houthis’ ports and airports in sustaining production.
- 3Reports on freedom of navigation and international dynamics: The President must provide periodic assessments of Houthi threats to navigation, the impact on US security interests and the global economy, Iran’s involvement, and the presence and influence of China (and implications for Russia and Iran’s navigation interests) in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden.
- 4Monitoring UN arms embargo violations: The act requires annual reporting on violations or attempted violations of UN arms embargoes against Yemen (Resolution 2216 and successors), including interdictions, the origins of weapons, and U.S. and partner coordination to disrupt illicit weapons flows.
- 5Sunset and governance: The act would terminate five years after enactment, and it creates a regulatory pathway for implementing sanctions, including case-by-case waivers for national security reasons and mandatory briefings to Congress when waivers are used.