Rep. Ro Khanna
Rohit (Ro) KhannaKhanna Calls for Further Action by Biden in Yemen Biden Faces Known Dilemma in Afghanistan Night Defense: Biden Announces End of US Support for Offensive Operations in Yemen | Pentagon orders indoor and outdoor masks wearing | Military COVID deaths are increasing MORE (D-Calif.), An outspoken opponent of the Saudi-led civil war offensive in Yemen, called President Biden
Joe Biden Washington Post Economic Reporter: Federal Reserve Refutes Arguments Biden’s COVID-19 Plan Is Too Big in Support of Marijuana Legalization: “ This Could Be a Priority for Congress ” Blinken, UN Leadership First Call After US Rejoin to climate agreements, WHO MORE to withdraw further support from the campaign and stop all arms sales to Riyadh.
Khanna praised Biden’s reversals of Trump’s policy on Yemen, calling them “a huge commitment to end US support for the Saudi war in Yemen.” But he added that “our work in supporting a better future for the people of Yemen has only just begun.”
Biden has made a huge commitment to end US support for the Saudi war in Yemen. But our work to support a better future for the people of Yemen has only just begun.
What more do we have to do in Yemen? 1 /
– Rep. Ro Khanna (@RepRoKhanna) February 11, 2021
Biden has already reversed the policy of supporting offensive efforts of the Saudi Arabia-led coalition, which has been hammered into killing civilians, and has rescinded the decision to label Houthi rebels as a terrorist group, a designation criticized by critics. could impede the delivery of humanitarian aid to areas under their control.
“We need more clarity on what specific military support we will end, and, just as importantly, what support Biden still plans to provide to the Saudis,” Khanna said in a list of demands. “We need a commitment from Biden to use all of his power to end the Saudi-led de facto blockade of Yemen. My team is asking for clarification on this point and we look forward to an answer. ”
“We must confirm that we have ended all arms sales to the Saudis, and that we will not be honoring ongoing arms contracts,” he continued, adding that “we must push for additional humanitarian assistance in all parts of Yemen.”
Khanna also called for “full US support and involvement” in the United Nations-led peace process to end the war between the Saudi coalition and the Houthis linked to Iran.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill.
Khanna, along with fellow progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders
Bernie Sanders Senators Show Signs Of Fatigue On Day 3 Of Trump Trial Khanna Calls For Further Action From Biden In Yemen Progressive Groups Call On Pelosi And Schumer To Prioritize Women In COVID-19 Aid Package MORE (I-Vt.), Was an outspoken advocate of ending US support for operations in Yemen and curtailing military relations with various Gulf states.
Khanna has participated in several attempts to block arms sales to Saudi Arabia during the Trump administration, including an attempt last month to stop the sale of millions of dollars in precision-guided bombs.
The Trump administration recently approved a $ 290 million sale to Riyadh for 3,000 Boeing-made GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb I ammunition and related equipment. The approval followed another green light for Raytheon to sell Saudi Arabia 7,500 of its Paveway air-to-ground “smart” bombs directly for an estimated value of $ 478 million.
Biden, a week after his inauguration, said he is pausing a number of Trump administration’s arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates pending a review.