[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 13215]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              S.J. RES. 39

  Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, despite my longstanding concerns about 
Saudi Arabia's record on human rights, and political and religious 
liberties, this resolution of disapproval would undermine America's 
relationship with a key security partner in the Middle East while doing 
nothing to address critical threats in the region. The Obama 
administration's disastrous nuclear deal and ransom payments to Iran 
have emboldened the regime's leaders to sow discord and instability in 
the Middle East, undermining the trust of our Sunni Arab partners, 
including Saudi Arabia. In its quest for regional hegemony, Iran is 
attempting to encircle Saudi Arabia by supporting operations in Iraq, 
Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen; yet this resolution does not address Iran's 
role in any of these conflicts, including Yemen, where Houthi elements 
have forced the elected government from Yemen's capital. This conflict 
is hindering our ability to combat ISIS and al Qaeda in the Arabian 
Peninsula.
  I urge the Saudi-led coalition to make every effort to protect 
civilians in Yemen, and I urge the Obama administration to continue 
assisting the coalition in limiting civilian casualties through 
targeting and other measures. But Iran must cease its direct and 
indirect support for those causing chaos and instability in Yemen. 
Rather than empowering our partners and standing up to our enemies, 
this resolution would send the wrong message at a time when our 
partners are already doubting American commitment and resolve.

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