VIDEO: Peters Condemns Saudi-Led Coalition in Yemen Following Eighth Anniversary of War

WASHINGTON, DC – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today condemned Saudi Arabia’s military campaign in Yemen and marked the recent eighth anniversary of this war, which has created one of the greatest humanitarian crises in decades. Peters has repeatedly spoken out against American involvement in the Saudi-led coalition and previously voted to override a presidential veto on bipartisan legislation to end U.S. support for Saudi Arabia-led operations in Yemen. In a previous national defense bill, Peters led and secured a provision to ensure American’s tax dollars were not going to support any offensive operations conducted by Saudi Arabia against Yemen. Since taking office, President Biden has announced an end of U.S. support for offensive operations in Yemen.

“Five years ago, I stood in this chamber and condemned the Saudi military campaign in Yemen,” said Senator Peters. “Today I rise once again to condemn the egregious violence that continues to haunt the Yemeni people. Last weekend marked the eighth-year anniversary of the start of the conflict. Eight years of families being torn apart by war. Eight years of children going without access to food, health care, and quality education. Eight years of destruction that has caused one of the greatest humanitarian crises since World War II.”

“I am proud that Michigan is home to the largest Yemeni population outside of Yemen,” Peters continued. “The diaspora community is vibrant and has endured harms that no community should have to. The circumstances under which many have immigrated to the United States is truly devastating. It is estimated that there are roughly 4.5 million displaced Yemenis as a result of this conflict with a majority of those displaced still in Yemen. Those that remain continue to face food and housing insecurity, with over half of the total population requiring humanitarian assistance.”

To watch Senator Peters’ speech on the Senate floor, click here.

Below is the text of Peters’ remarks as delivered.

“Five years ago, I stood in this chamber and condemned the Saudi military campaign in Yemen. Today I rise once again to condemn the egregious violence that continues to haunt the Yemeni people. Last weekend marked the eighth-year anniversary of the start of the conflict. Eight years of families being torn apart by war. Eight years of children going without access to food, health care, and quality education. Eight years of destruction that has caused one of the greatest humanitarian crises since World War II.

“The Republic of Yemen has been torn apart by multiple armed conflicts. As a result, the Yemeni people have been caught in between an internal power struggle as well as a regional proxy conflict. Saudi Arabia has taken advantage of Yemen’s domestic strife and led a military campaign that has only heightened the conflict and caused further destruction.

“The previous conflicts along with the current war have collectively eroded central governance in Yemen and left more than 24 million of Yemen’s 31 million citizens in dire need of assistance and protection.

“I am proud that Michigan is home to the largest Yemeni population outside of Yemen. The diaspora community is vibrant and has endured harms that no community should have to. The circumstances under which many have immigrated to the United States is truly devastating. It is estimated that there are roughly 4.5 million displaced Yemenis as a result of this conflict with a majority of those displaced still in Yemen. Those that remain continue to face food and housing insecurity, with over half of the total population requiring humanitarian assistance.

“We have failed the Yemeni people with our longstanding military support for the Saudi Arabian military coalition in Yemen. And I applaud President Biden’s decision to end all U.S. support for offensive operations in Yemen. We must continue to build on this measure and ensure that the United States is in no way involved in the continuation of this war.

“The failure of warring parties to come to an agreement to extend the UN-backed truce demonstrates that this conflict is unfortunately far from over. The United States must continue to leverage all diplomatic tools available to assist in the peace process.

“And as we enter into the ninth year of this conflict, I encourage all my colleagues to reflect on the lives lost, the children who never got to grow up, and the communities that will never be the same. The Yemeni people have remained resilient in the face of extreme adversity. It is our responsibility to ensure that we continue to be strong partners in providing aid and securing peace.”

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