A joint resolution to require certifications regarding actions by Saudi Arabia in Yemen, and for other purposes.

Bill: 115-sjres-58
Sponsor: Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]
Introduced: 2018-04-11 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Aviation and airports
Conflicts and wars
Congressional oversight
Defense spending
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Food assistance and relief
Foreign aid and international relief
International organizations and cooperation
Middle East
Military assistance, sales, and agreements
Military operations and strategy
Sanctions
Saudi Arabia
Terrorism
United Nations
Yemen

Summary:
action_date: 2018-04-11
text: 
This joint resolution requires the Department of State to periodically certify to Congress that Saudi Arabia is undertaking: (1) a good faith effort to conduct diplomatic negotiations to end the civil war in Yemen, (2) appropriate measures to increase access for Yemenis to food, fuel, and medicine, and (3) measures to reduce civilian casualties from its military operations in Yemen.
 
If the State Department is unable to so certify, no federal funds may be obligated or expended for U.S. air refueling of non-U.S. aircraft conducting missions in Yemen other than missions related to:
 
 
 al Qaeda, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, and the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria; 
 
 countering the transport or employment of ballistic missiles or components in Yemen; 
 
 helping coalition aircraft return safely to base in emergency situations; or 
 
 force protection of U.S. aircraft, ships, or personnel.
 

action_date: 2018-05-22
text: 
This joint resolution requires the Department of State to periodically certify to Congress that Saudi Arabia is undertaking: 
 
 
 efforts to conduct diplomatic negotiations to end the civil war in Yemen; 
 
measures to increase access for Yemenis to food, fuel, and medicine;
 
measures to reduce civilian casualties from its military operations in Yemen; and 
 
actions to reduce humanitarian assistance shipment delays. 
 
 
If the State Department is unable to so certify, no federal funds may be obligated or expended for U.S. air refueling of non-U.S. aircraft conducting missions in Yemen other than missions related to:
 
 
 al Qaeda, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, and the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria; 
 
 countering the transport or employment of ballistic missiles or components in Yemen; 
 
 helping coalition aircraft return safely to base in emergency situations; or 
 
 force protection of U.S. aircraft, ships, or personnel.
 
 
The President shall brief Congress regarding: 
 
 
 Saudi Arabia's and the United Arab Emirates' military and political objectives in Yemen, 
 
 efforts to avoid harming civilians, 
 
 external support for the Houthi forces, and 
 
 the effect of military operations on U.S. efforts to defeat al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
 
 
 The State Department shall submit to Congress a strategy for accomplishing U.S. objectives in Yemen.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-05-22
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 428.
action_date: 2018-05-22
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Corker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-05-22
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Corker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-05-22
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2018-04-11
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2018-04-11
text: Introduced in Senate