Kaine Statement on U.S. Military Strikes against Houthis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine—a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees—released the following statement regarding airstrikes conducted by the United States and the United Kingdom against the Houthi militia group:

“I strongly condemn the repeated Houthi attacks on international cargo ships and U.S. military assets protecting those ships in the Red Sea. These unacceptable attacks put our servicemembers at risk, increase costs for American consumers, and threaten our shipping and trade industry. I’ve heard concerns directly from the Port of Virginia about the harmful impacts to our Commonwealth. As a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, my top priority is the safety of our servicemembers and all Americans.

“While the President’s decision to engage with allies in defensive action in this one instance is understandable, I’m concerned about a back and forth that could draw the U.S. closer to war. We need to use all levers at our disposal to de-escalate the widening regional conflict. The lessons of the past 25 years strongly militate against involving American troops in armed conflict in the Middle East.”

###