President Trump vetoed a bill Tuesday aimed at ending U.S. involvement in Yemen.
“This resolution is an unnecessary, dangerous attempt to weaken my constitutional authorities, endangering the lives of American citizens and brave service members, both today and in the future,” he wrote in his veto message to Congress.
The four-year civil war in Yemen has led to what the U.N. calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with millions in danger of starving. Tens of thousands have died in the conflict between the coalition forces, led by Saudi Arabia, and the Houthi rebel forces, backed by Iran.
The bipartisan legislation sought to pull back U.S. support for the coalition through the War Powers Act, a little-used law that allows Congress to pull troops out of a foreign conflict that has not been authorized by the legislature with a declaration of war.
Trump’s response argued there are no U.S. forces in the country.
“There are no United States military personnel in Yemen commanding, participating in, or accompanying military forces of the Saudi‑led coalition against the Houthis in hostilities in or affecting Yemen,” his message states. “Since 2015, the United States has provided limited support to member countries of the Saudi-led coalition, including intelligence sharing, logistics support, and, until recently, in-flight refueling of non-United States aircraft.”
The bill passed the Senate in March, 54-46, and the House of Representatives in April, 247-175. Neither tally would be enough to overturn the veto, which would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
The veto is the second of his tenure. Trump vetoed in March legislation that would have ended the national emergency he declared at the southern border.
[Related: Republicans beat back House attempt to override Trump’s border wall veto]
