South OC Times

This week, U.S. Representatives Darrell Issa and Brad Sherman introduced the Houthi Human Rights Accountability Act, known as H.R. 1848, to address human rights abuses by the Houthi movement in Yemen. The bill has garnered support from Congressmen Mike Lawler, Brad Schneider, Jared Moskowitz, and Bill Keating.

Issa highlighted the Houthis' expansion of violence and human rights violations. He stated: “The Houthis campaign of terror expanded from a serious regional concern to a daily crisis in a part of the world that is increasingly unstable and has witnessed deadly armed conflict across multiple nations.” Issa praised the Trump Administration for its recent decision to redesignate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Sherman emphasized the impact of Houthi actions on Yemen and global shipping: “For the last decade, the Houthis have held the people of Yemen hostage as they’ve plunged the country into conflict and famine,” he said. Sherman noted their alliance with Hamas since October 7th had worsened conditions.

The legislation supports redesignation efforts by including specific measures against antisemitic indoctrination and interference with humanitarian aid delivery in Yemen. It also calls for assessments under existing U.S. laws regarding sanctions for human rights abuses and hostage-taking activities linked to the Houthis.

H.R. 1848 follows recent escalations involving Houthi attacks on international shipping routes around the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden while targeting U.S. Navy vessels.

Representative Issa represents California’s 48th Congressional District which includes parts of San Diego County and Riverside County areas such as Fallbrook, Escondido, Santee, Temecula among others.