The Campaign to End U.S. War-Making in Yemen: Strategies of Congressional Advocacy, 2015–2020

Civil society groups and a handful of lawmakers have pursued a robust campaign to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen in Congress. By framing the conflict as a war of Saudi aggression and pulling legislative levers that enabled them to force floor votes, advocates turned a niche issue into one that galvanized majorities in Congress and generated significant media coverage. Even when vetoes blocked their ability to enact binding war powers and arms transfer legislation, advocates nevertheless exerted political pressure that gave the president and the Saudi-led coalition alike impetus to moderate the war effort. This case suggests both the potential and limits of pursuing antiwar advocacy through Congress