WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, released the following statement on the United States’ support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.

“Without serious public debate, the United States materially increased its support for the Saudi-led military operation in Yemen, and Congress should be playing a stronger role in asking questions as to whether this campaign, in its current form, is in the national security interests of the United States. We have seen countless coalition airstrikes hitting residential neighborhoods, schools and hospitals, killing an unacceptable number of civilians. Additionally, coalition naval operations have delayed the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid. The continued violence and instability have empowered al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which can now operate more freely amid the chaos in Yemen. It's time for Congress to ask some serious questions about whether the United States’ current participation in this civil war is advancing our nation's national security interests. The Obama administration needs to adequately answer these questions before members of Congress can make a determination on any additional military sales to Saudi Arabia.”