Dismantle Iran’s Proxy Act of 2025
Dismantle Iran’s Proxy Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Dismantle Iran's Proxy Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would require the President to take stronger action against Ansarallah, the Houthi movement in Yemen that the U.S. government says is backed by Iran. Specifically, it would require the President to officially designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, which would allow the U.S. Treasury Department to block their access to the American financial system. The bill also calls for economic sanctions against Houthi leaders and affiliated individuals, and requires the President to develop and report a strategy to weaken the group's military capabilities and restore safe shipping in the Red Sea. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily targets the Houthis and their supporters.
It would also affect U.S. banks and financial institutions, which would be required to enforce the financial blocks. Indirectly, it could impact international shipping and trade, since the stated goal is to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea—an important global shipping route where Houthis have reportedly attacked vessels. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator James Risch (R-Idaho) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Dismantle Iran’s Proxy Act of 2025This bill requires the President to take actions against Ansarallah, the Iran-backed movement in Yemen also known as the Houthis.Specifically, the bill requires the President to designate Ansarallah as a foreign terrorist organization. (Among other things, such a designation allows the Department of the Treasury to require U.S. financial institutions to block transactions involving the organization.) The President must also (1) impose property blocking sanctions on Ansarallah and any foreign person who is an official, agent, or affiliate of the organization; (2) submit to Congress a determination as to whether three specified individuals are officials, agents, or affiliates of Ansarallah; and (3) submit to Congress a strategy to degrade the offensive capabilities of Ansarallah and to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and nearby waterways.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.