Sen. Tim Kaine Issues Statement in Favor of Sanders-Lee-Murphy Yemen War Powers Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2018          
CONTACT: Sarah Peck, 202-228-1174; Miryam Lipper, 202-365-2176 

Kaine Statement On U.S. Involvement In Conflict In Yemen & Sanders-Lee-Murphy Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement today announcing his support for the joint resolution to direct the removal of U.S. armed forces from hostilities in Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress:

“The civil war in Yemen has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis – more than 10,000 civilians have been killed and millions of Yemenis are on the brink of famine. In support of the Saudi-led coalition, the U.S. has stumbled into yet another war without a clear strategy or end in sight. I support the Sanders-Lee-Murphy proposal because I am concerned about continued U.S. involvement in Yemen against the Houthis. Our priority must be ending this conflict through a peace process and focusing on al-Qaeda and ISIS.”

In advance of Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman’s visit to the White House, Kaine wrote a letter to President Trump asking him to urge the Saudi coalition to help bring an end the brutal Yemen war through peace efforts and address other ongoing human rights concerns.

For years, Kaine has been outspoken about Presidents’ efforts to expand the use of military force without congressional authorization. In January, Kaine spoke out against the Trump Administration decision to keep U.S. troops in Syria beyond the counter-ISIS mission. In December, Kaine wrote a letter to Secretaries Mattis and Tillerson requesting information on the current goals of the counter-ISIS campaign, and expressing concern over reports that the U.S. military might now be used to pressure the Syrian government, target Iran and its proxies, and engage other entities not covered under the 2001 AUMF.