Dismantle Iran’s Proxy Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
- Committees
- Foreign Relations Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 16, 2025
Bottom line
This bill seeks to intensify U.S. pressure on Ansarallah through FTO designation, sanctions, and a military strategy, while also documenting humanitarian challenges in Yemen.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the President to redesignate Ansarallah (the Houthi movement) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and impose associated sanctions within 30 days of enactment. It also requires the President to develop a strategy to degrade Ansarallah's offensive capabilities in the Red Sea and for the Secretary of State to report on obstacles to humanitarian aid in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that Ansarallah's actions, particularly attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and interference with humanitarian aid, necessitate its redesignation as an FTO to cut off its funding and support. They believe this will restore maritime security and hold the group accountable for its destabilizing activities, which are seen as proxies for Iran.
Opponents contend
Opponents or those with concerns might argue that redesignating Ansarallah as an FTO could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen by further complicating aid delivery and financial transactions, potentially leading to widespread famine. They may also contend that it could undermine diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and escalate regional tensions.
The bill is very short and straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension of its core directives.
Section 2(a)(1)
Mandate Ansarallah FTO Redesignation and Sanctions
This provision requires the President, within 30 days of the bill's enactment, to officially designate Ansarallah (the Houthi movement) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Concurrently, it mandates the imposition of sanctions under Executive Order 13224, which blocks property and prohibits transactions with persons who support terrorism, against Ansarallah and its officials, agents, or affiliates.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this designation is a critical step to counter Ansarallah's terrorist activities, particularly their attacks on international shipping and their role as an Iranian proxy. They believe it will disrupt the group's financing and ability to procure weapons, thereby enhancing regional security and holding the group accountable.
Critics contend
Critics express concern that an FTO designation could severely impede humanitarian aid delivery to millions in Yemen, who rely on international assistance. They argue that banks and aid organizations may cease operations or face significant legal hurdles, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. Some also suggest it could complicate peace efforts.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the goal of countering a designated terrorist group and its destabilizing actions with the potential for adverse humanitarian consequences in a country already facing severe crisis.
Section 2(a)(2)
Presidential Determination on Key Ansarallah Figures
This subsection requires the President, within 30 days of the FTO designation, to submit a determination to Congress on whether three specific individuals—Abdul Malik al-Houthi, Abd al-Khaliq Badr al-Din al-Houthi, and Abdullah Yahya al-Hakim—are officials, agents, or affiliates of Ansarallah. This effectively pushes for their individual sanctioning if they are determined to be associated.
Section 2(b)
Strategy for Red Sea Freedom of Navigation and Ansarallah Degradation
This section mandates the President to submit a strategy to Congress within 180 days. This strategy must outline steps to restore freedom of navigation in critical waterways like the Bab al Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, and to degrade Ansarallah's offensive capabilities, including their command and control, key leaders, intelligence, lethal aid, training, and materiel support.
Section 2(c)
Report on Humanitarian Aid Obstacles in Houthi-Controlled Yemen
This section requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with USAID, to submit a report to Congress within 180 days. The report must detail obstacles faced by international and nongovernmental organizations in delivering humanitarian aid in areas of Yemen under Ansarallah's de-facto control, including bureaucratic interference, manipulation of aid, and violence against aid workers. It also requires an overview of U.S. and partner steps to ensure unhindered aid delivery.