Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) issued the following statement after the administration announced it will end refueling for Saudi-coalition planes in Yemen:
 
“The ongoing war in Yemen between the internationally recognized Government of Yemen – supported by the Saudi-led Arab coalition – and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels needs to end. Millions of Yemenis are in desperate need of relief. Cholera and famine are widespread. All parties to this conflict need to take immediate steps to minimize civilian casualties and allow for humanitarian access. 
 
“Halting U.S. refueling of Saudi-coalition planes flying in Yemen is an important step in the right direction. Other assistance to the Saudi-coalition will need to continue, given the ongoing threats from al-Qaeda, ISIS and the Houthis in Yemen. Ensuring our national security must be a top priority. 
 
“But after years of bloodshed and suffering, there is no military solution in sight. The status quo is not in the interests of the United States or Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration should look for more leverage to push both sides to find a peaceful solution. And it should send a strong message that those responsible for atrocities in today’s battle for Hodeida will be held accountable.”   

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