President Donald Trump vetoed a bipartisan measure that would have ended the United States military’s support for the Saudi-led bombing in Yemen’s civil war for a second time.
"This resolution is an unnecessary, dangerous attempt to weaken my constitutional authorities, endangering the lives of American citizens and brave service members, both today and in the future," Trump said in a statement Tuesday.
The resolution, which would have required the Trump administration to withdraw any troops in or “affecting” Yemen within 30 days unless they were there specifically to fight al Qaeda.
The resolution passed the House 247-175 and the Senate 54-46. Despite numerous Republicans joining Democrats to back the resolution, neither the House or the Senate has enough votes to override Trump’s veto.
The United States is backing the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen in their battle against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The US military has provided the Saudi-led coalition with arms, logistical support, and intelligence sharing.
This marks the second time Trump has vetoed the bipartisan resolution this year.
Trump says support for Saudis protects Americans:
Trump said in his statement that he agrees on the “need to address our engagements in foreign wars” but claimed that the US military support in Yemen does not count as military involvement in “hostilities.”
Trump said the support for the Saudi-led coalition is required to "protect the safety of the more than 80,000 Americans who reside in certain coalition countries that have been subject to Houthi attacks from Yemen.”
He added that the Yemen conflict "represents a 'cheap' and inexpensive way for Iran to cause trouble for the United States and for our ally, Saudi Arabia."
Democrats slam Trump for backing “horrific war”:
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who sponsored the resolution, said he was “disappointed, but not surprised” by Trump’s veto.
"The people of Yemen desperately need humanitarian help, not more bombs," Sanders tweeted. "I am disappointed, but not surprised, that Trump has rejected the bi-partisan resolution to end U.S. involvement in the horrific war in Yemen."
"From a president elected on the promise of putting a stop to our endless wars, this veto is a painful missed opportunity," said California Rep. Ro Khanna, who sponsored the resolution in the House.
Despite the veto, Khanna said the resolution’s passage was a success.
"It sends a clear signal to the Saudis that they need to lift their blockade and allow humanitarian assistance into Yemen if they care about their relationship with Congress," he said. "This bipartisan and bicameral success will also caution this and future administrations from going to war without first seeking authorization from Congress."
