Congressman Hamadeh Introduces Resolution to Require Imposition of Sanctions on Iran-Backed Houthis

WASHINGTON D.C. - Congressman Abraham J. Hamadeh (AZ-08) introduced H.R. 1250, requiring the imposition of sanctions with respect to the officials, agents, or affiliates of Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, for acts of international terrorism.   

On January 22, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order re-designating the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The Biden administration recklessly removed the FTO designation from the Houthis in 2021, leading to an escalation in attacks across the region.

“The Biden administration’s reckless foreign policy has cost American lives in the Red Sea and countless U.S. assets. President Trump was right to issue his Executive Order, and I am pleased to strengthen our nation’s position by introducing this resolution which should enhance global stability,” said Congressman Hamadeh.

Prior to President Trump's Executive Order, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced this legislation, S. 70, to re-designate the FTO status and impose additional sanctions on the Houthi’s top leaders.

“The Biden administration made a day one politically driven decision to dismantle terrorism sanctions against the Houthis and their leaders. They knew the decision was unjustified, lied about portions of it on camera to the American people, and deliberately limited access to the full announcement. That decision was an obvious and catastrophic mistake from the very beginning and contributed to enabling the Houthis to relaunch their assault on civilians in Yemen, to launch missiles at Israel and our Gulf allies, and over the last year to consistently attack commercial ships and American service members in the Red Sea. President Trump reimposed those sanctions as part of restoring maximum pressure on the Iranian regime, and this bill ensures that the decision is backed and locked in by congressional action,” said Senator Cruz of Congressman Hamadeh’s legislation.

Congressman Hamadeh, an Army veteran, who served as an Intelligence Officer in the region and serves on the House Armed Services Committee, has argued that the Biden administration's decision to remove the FTO designation from the Houthis has not only emboldened the Houthis but their backer, the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“Senator Cruz and my bill strengthens President Trump's Executive Order and sends a clear message to the world that there is a new sheriff in town,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “House and Senate Republicans will see that President Trump has the tools he needs to Make America Safe Again.”

Original House cosponsors include: Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-2), Rep. Lance Gooden (TX-5) and Rep. Randy K. Weber (TX-14).