Darrell Issa (R-CA)
Houthi Human Rights Accountability Act
A Republican bill with 6 Democratic cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 49 - 0.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The Houthi Human Rights Accountability Act aims to authorize sanctions against the Houthis. The bill directs the Secretary of State to submit several reports regarding Houthi indoctrination, obstacles to humanitarian aid, and human rights abuses. It also requires determinations on whether specific Houthi members meet criteria for sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Act. Additionally, it authorizes sanctions under the Robert Levinson Hostage Taking and Accountability Act. The legislation includes provisions for oversight regarding the delivery of humanitarian assistance. This Act is set to terminate five years after its enactment.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +3
Would children be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets the recruitment and use of child soldiers by the Houthis.
- Scored +3
Would women be better off under this?
The bill mandates reporting on gender-based discrimination and violence to combat human rights abuses.
- Scored +2
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill aims to remove obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid which is vital for low-income populations.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Identification of indoctrination threats: The bill requires a report on Houthi efforts to indoctrinate Yemenis, which could help understand the threat to regional stability (Section 3).
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Improved humanitarian aid delivery: By requiring a report on obstacles to aid, the bill seeks to identify how Houthi rules and interference impact the ability of the international community to distribute assistance (Section 4).
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Protection of humanitarian workers: The bill mandates an evaluation of violence and intimidation against humanitarian workers and diplomats, which could assist in protecting those providing aid (Section 4).
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Accountability for human rights abuses: The report on human rights abuses—including gender-based violence, child soldier recruitment, and unlawful killings—aims to document these actions (Section 5).
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Sanctions against human rights violators: The bill authorizes sanctions against Houthi members who impose restrictions on humanitarian aid or engage in specific human rights abuses (Section 6).
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Protection against hostage-taking and unlawful detention: The bill authorizes sanctions for those responsible for or complicit in the hostage-taking or wrongful detention of United States nationals (Section 7).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed in the text regarding consequences for individuals or groups.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets the recruitment and use of child soldiers by the Houthis. Would women be better off under this? — The bill mandates reporting on gender-based discrimination and violence to combat human rights abuses. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill aims to remove obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid which is vital for low-income populations. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill's focus on humanitarian aid distribution can indirectly aid vulnerable populations including those with disabilities.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By addressing obstacles to humanitarian aid, the bill seeks to improve the delivery of essential goods to those in need. Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill targets instability and hostage-taking which can impact regional security and border stability. Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill focuses on human rights and humanitarian aid access which can indirectly benefit those with disabilities.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill supports international humanitarian principles and the safety of diplomats. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill protects U.S. nationals from unlawful detention, which includes service members abroad.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill seeks to penalize arbitrary and unlawful detention of U.S. nationals.
- 12/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/3/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 49 - 0.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/5/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Laura GillenDemocrat · New York
William KeatingDemocrat · Massachusetts
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Jared MoskowitzDemocrat · Florida
Brad ShermanDemocrat · California
Bradley SchneiderDemocrat · Illinois
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia