Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has expressed strong criticism of President Biden's policy toward the Houthis, arguing that it negatively impacts American safety and prosperity. Writing for the National Review on June 27, 2024, Rubio outlined his concerns regarding the administration's approach.

Rubio pointed out that two weeks into his presidency, Biden removed the Houthis from the foreign terrorist organization list and ceased lethal support to the Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates-led anti-terrorism operation against them. According to Rubio, this policy shift parallels what he describes as a "bungled withdrawal from Afghanistan," leading to increased danger and economic strain for Americans.

The senator highlighted that the Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and numerous assaults on American military assets in the region. He noted recent incidents where Houthi missile strikes forced crews of two container ships to abandon their vessels and recalled an earlier operation this year in which two American Navy SEALs died attempting to prevent Iran from supplying more weapons to the Houthis.

Rubio emphasized that these attacks have disrupted global container trade, with 30 percent passing through zones targeted by the Houthis. He reported a significant rise in shipping costs from China to West Coast ports—up 235 percent since December 2023—and warned of further economic deterioration if the Houthis start charging fees for safe passage.

Criticizing President Biden's response, Rubio argued that instead of reverting to previous policies that kept the Houthis under control, Biden opted for a weaker designation of "specially designated global terrorist organization" rather than reinstating them as a foreign terrorist organization. Additionally, Rubio criticized limited military actions authorized by Biden, which reportedly targeted empty warehouses and drone launching sites rather than Houthi leaders and weapon depots.

Rubio concluded by asserting that Biden's policies are inadvertently escalating conflict rather than preventing it. He contended that failing to punish aggressors invites further unchecked aggression against Americans and global trade.

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